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BATTLES OF 

CHATTANOOGA, 

Fought Nov. 23 — 25, 1863, 

BY THE ARMIES OF THE 

CUMBERLAND AND TENNESSEE, 

UNDER GENERALS GRANT, THOMAS, SHERMAN, AND 

HOOKER. 

GENERAL BRAGG COMMANDING THE CONFEDERATE FORCES. 

Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge 

AND LOCALITIES MADE FAMOUS BY THE BATTLES OF 

CHICKAMAUGA, WAUHATCHIE, GRAYSVILLE, 
RINGGOLD, ETC. 



A Resume of the Situations Shown in the Panorama of 
MISSIONARY RIDGE, 

AND VERY FULL EXTRACTS OF 

OFFICIAL REPORTS AND PAPERS FROM THE LIBRARY 

OF WILLIAM WEHNER'S PANORAMA STUDIO, 

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN. 



PUBLISHED BV ^ 

W. J. JEFF'EfvSON,,''.,ir 

PRINTER OF PANORAMA CATALOGUES, 
170 Madison Street, Chicago, HI. 
x886. 



MISSIONARY RIDGE 

Is the initial panorama painted in William Wehner's great panorama 
studio, in jMihvaukee, Wis., a structure erected expressly for panorama 
and diorama painting, which is as substantial as it is perfectly equipped, 
with e^•ery appliance to promote the comfort of both artists and models. 

Veteran soldiers of both North and South have contributed to the col- 
lection of uniforms and accoutrements of every description, which are con- 
stantly in use to study and paint from. An experienced ex-officer of 
engineers, Captain Wm. Arms, supervises every mechanical detail, and is 
i^esponsible for all that pertains to his department. 

The artists in charge of the work of the studio are men of note and ex- 
cellence in their profession, who were selected by Mr. Wehner after long 
and careful consideration of the best panoramas painted for exhibition in 
Europe. These principals are Professors August Lohr, of Munich, and F. 
W. Heine of Dresden. Each being eminent in his specialty as the follow- 
ing brief accounts will show. 

Professor Lohr is to-day in the prinie of life, a man of fine physique, 
and genial disposition. His pei'sohal" qualities attract and bind his immed- 
iate assistants to him. By birth an Ausfri'an^fhis native place was Hallein, 
near Salzburg. In his art education a " Munich man" he possesses great 
pow'er and breadth of color, while in the tender treatment of sky and dis- 
tance there is a reflex of his thoughtful mind. Mr. Lohr has painted the 
landscape of several panoramas ranked as the most important in Evn'ope. 
Among these are the battles of Weissenberg, St. Privat, Mars La Tour, 
and Sedan. His present work bears full evidence of his conspicuous ability. 
In every way his equal, is his co-worker and long-time friend. Professor F. 
W. Heine, the battle painter, upon whom the important work of com- 
position and the labor attending the same devolves. While both these 
gentlemen work in concert, each is independent of the other, a fact which 
neither seems to be aware of. 

Professor Heine was born at Leipsic, a student of the academies of 
Leipsic and Weimar. His campaign life began with the Prussian army in 
the Austrian war of 1866, during which his personal courage and ability as 
an artist attracted marked attention. Throughout the Franco-Prussian 
war Professor Heine prosecuted his studies, braving danger to be present 
with his sketch book in the important battles of that war. He w^itnessed 
the siege of Paris and the coronation of the Emperor William at Versailles. 
His spacious studio in Dresden is rich in the studies thus obtained, and these, 
together with arms, uniforms and military equipments of every description, 
gives to the place the semblance of an armory. 

His colossial painting of the "Triumphant entry of King Albert into 
Dresden at the head of his troops," painted on order, adorns the council 
chamber of the city hall of that city. He painted four mammoth battle- 
pieces for the Duke of Brunswick, representing the heroic deeds of the 
three arms of the Brunswick troops in the war with France. His water- 



, BATTLES OF CH ATTANOOCi A. 



color studies of armv life in peace and in war, sketched in the barracks and 
on the |5arade j^rouiid, are known tu all Munich and Dresden collectors. 

The corjjs of assistants chosen by Messrs. Lohr and Heine comprise- 
amonj; others Bernard Schneider and Wilhelni Schroter, landscape artists 
from Dusseldorf, Ciilhert Richter, the well known animal painter of 
Dresden, Hermann Michalowsky and Franz Rohnbeck, fi<(ure painters of 
Berlin, and Th. lireitwiser, known in Vienna as a prominent battle painter. 
This incomplete list will serve to show the hiojh rank of the artists. 

MISSIONARY' RIDGE, 

was selected from many subjects for panoramas, after very careful consider- 
ation on the part of its present owners. It was known to be a theme of un- 
usual difficulty, owing^ to the vast extent of country within the range of 
vision, but this fact was urged as an advantage possessed by no other battle 
field. To be successful the exceptional grandeur of the scenery required 
masterly treatment and the conflict to be depicted would necessitate the intro- 
duction of t/iousa)ids of carefully delineated combatants where hundreds are 
made to suffice in similar works. 

These are but few of the difficulties to be met and overcome. \\MHiam 
\\'ehner, who was fully conversant with the facts, met the stockholders and 
signed a contract which distinctly specified that "The Panorama of Mission- 
ary Ridge" should be better in every way than the battle of Gettysburg 
and the Siege of Paris combined, or it need not be taken from his Milwaukee 
studio. As an expression of belief on the part of the stockholders that 
this contract was filled, the following resolutions \\\\\ be interesting: 

Chicago, January ::4th, 1886. 

An informal meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Panorama Co. was- 
this day held on special train from Milwaukee to Chicago. 

After viewing the painting of Missionary Ridge, it was moved by F. A. Bragg, and 
seconded by Geo. R. Jenkins, that it is the opinion of this Board that the painting fills 
the requirements of the contract, and that it be accepted, subjected to ratification at a 
regular meeting of the Board. Carried unanimously. 

Moved by F. A. Bragg, and seconded by \V. H. Hogan, that the thanks of the 
American Panorama Co. be extended to the Military Men, Members of the Press, and 
other guests for their attendance on the trip to Milwaukee, to view the painting of 
Missionary Ridge, and the appreciative criticisims expressed regarding the picture. 
Carried unanimously. 

The meeting then adjourned. 

R. L. WEBSTER, Sec'y. 

Resolutions adopted by the Cpmmitiee of Military Men, Representatives of the Chicago 
Daily Press and others, after viewing the painting of Missionary Ridge : 
Whereas: The Directors of the American Panorama Co. saw fit in their generous 
heartedness to invite representatives of each of the Chicago daily newspapers, militarv 
men, artists, and other guests, to accompany them on an excursion to Milwaukee to visit 
the studo of Wm. Wehner, and view the painting representing the battle of Missionary 
Ridge just completed and to be permanently exhibited in Chicago, 

Resolved, That the Press of Chicago through the representatives, and military men, 
artists, and other guests, who accepted that invitation, hereby extend its hearty thanks 
for the royal entertainment of its members. 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



Resolved Further, that the picture on exhibition, as to design and execution, more 
especially in its representation of the scenery of the locality is one of the greatest paint- 
ings in our opinion ever put upon canvas, and that its spirited representation of the historic 
assault and capture of the ridge is evidence of the great progress scenic art is making 
in this country, 

The manner in which this \vork \vas prosecuted is so interesting and 
characteristic that a succinct narrative of it will not fail to be read with satis- 
faction by thousands who view the results. 

Mr. Lohr selected the artist, Schneider, to proceed with him to Chatta- 
nooga to study and paint prominent points in the landscape. Mr. Wehner 
in company with Professor Heine started in quest of his friend, Theo. R. 
Da\is, known to army men and others as artist correspondent of Harper's 
Weekly throughout the war. In Mr. Davis' unique studio at Asbvny 
Park, N. J., the problem was carefully considered, maps, sketches, photo- 
graphs, and note books w^ere consulted and a promise obtained that when 
pressing orders w^ere disposed of, he w^ould journey to Chattanooga via 
Washington, and together with Professors Heine and Lohr would make a 
most exhaustive reconnoissance not only of the battle-fields, but of the his- 
toric ground stretching for miles in every direction. 

In this preliminary work no pains were spared and no needed expense 
was questioned. Owing to the fact, that most of the old army roads ^vel"e 
obliterated, and in many instances the earth ^vorks and old land marks 
were destroyed, that forests had changed places with fields and fields with 
forests. The scene was changed. Chattanooga was no longer a town but 
a thriving city, with Look-Out, Missionary and Waldron's Ridges assum- 
ing suburban character. Had this reconnoissance been made without very 
full and reliable data antedating twenty years, the result w^ould have 
heen questionable. 

The view from Orchard Knob was no longer that obtained on the 
November battle davs by Generals Grant, Thomas, and others. Shrubs 
had gro\vn to trees, to over top which a substantial look-out was erected 
from which to studv and sketch the scene, not of to-day, but to recover and 
secure topographical features as they existed twenty years before. This 
outlook with its picturesque surrounding and bough topped shelter became 
for the nonce the studio to which ex-ofhcers of all armies were welcomed. 
Colored citizens — now land owners — the "contraband" Sams, Charlies and 
Toms of officers and valued friends long since marked missing on the rolls, 
came in quest of answers to timid interrogations, made with mingled ex- 
pression of fear and hope. 

The preliminary work done, the composition was made by Professor 
Heine. The panorama as finished presents a scene exhibiting the skill of 
Professors Lohr and Heine and their assistants, who have ever been ready 
to profit by the suggestion and council of veteran officers and soldiers, and 
of their friend THEO. R. DAVIS. 



CHATTANOOGA. 



A description of the scenes and incidents depicted in tiiis Panorama 
would be incomplete, probably unsatisfactory, without a brief sketch of the 
locality, and a sullicient outline to assist the comprehension of moyements 
which led up to the situation of armies and llie (.iilminatini^ battles of 
November, 1S63. 

Protestant missionaries were here laboring among the Creek and 
Cherokee tribes in 1817, the Rev. Mr. Kinsbury being the pioneer. He 
was shortly joined by his co-workers, Hall and Williams, and the two 
missionary stations, Brainard and Elliott, were established. 

The name Mission jVIills, now Bird's Mill, near which a marble shaft 
marks the last resting place of Dr. Worcester, Secretary of the Domestic 
Missions, needs no interpretation. The origin of Missionary Ridge is 
equally plain. 

Soldiers of the Union Army abbreviate the name to Mission, ex-Con- 
federates refer to it as Missionary Ridge. The name Chattanooga is de- 
rived from two Indian words, Chatta, place of, Ooga^ rocks. It is now 
nearly fifty years since the Government decree to remove the Indians from 
this vicinity was enforced. How, may be inferred by the statement sub- 
sequently made, that more than five thousand aged persons and children per- 
ished by the way. Those Indians who clung to their old homes were forced 
out by soldiers, and whites who befriended them were punished by law for 
their crime. It is said than John Howard Payne was among those who 
suffered. Chattanooga, then Ross Landing, grew from a settlement to a 
village. In 1S61 it was a town of considerable population, evidencing 
enterprise, and a point towards which the attention of commanding officers of 
both the Union and Confederate armies was early directed. The vicinity of 
Chattanooga was reached by Union troops but no occupation was effected 
until September, 1863, when General Rosecrans skillfully manoeuvered 
General Bragg's forces out of the town and its immediate vicinity. Con- 
cerning this General Boynton writes vividly in an admirable article pub- 
lished in the National 7^ribiine. 

After referring to the difficulties of transportation which beset the 
accumulation of food and ammunition sufficient for advance, plans for 
which General Rosecrans had already matured. General Boynton men- 
tions with some comment General Halleck's imperative orders telegraphed 
persistently from Washington. 

" General Rosecrans pushed his preparations, and as he could not ob- 
tain forage for the animals, or transport it in quantities, he waited till the 
corn had ripened, and when it had, having in the meantime accumulated 25 
days' rations and a liberal supply of ammunition, lie gave orders for the 
advance." 

"By a brilliant feint, extending through the mountains north of Chatta- 
nooga toward Buckner's forces in East Tennessee, the appearance of four 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



brigades opposite the city, on tlie line from Kingston above to the mouth of 
Lookout Valley below, and of a division in the .Sequatchie Valley east of 
the first range of the Cumberlands, he had wholly deceived Bragg as to 
the movement, and the entire army effected a crossing in the vicinity of 
Bridgeport \vithout special opposition. 

"The facts of the crossing show that Rosecrans had moved at the 
earliest possible moment. He did not even take time to bring up sufficient 
bridges. Brannan's division crossed at the mouth of Battle Creek on rafts 
and in canoes which the men cut out for themselves. In fact, those who 
could swim well did not wait either for rafts or canoes, but put their guns 
and clothing on a few fence rails and pushed these before them over the 
wide stream. The artilleiy was ferried on a single pontoon, which would 
not carry a piece and its limber at the same time. Another division was 
taken over at Bridgeport in small boats. The crossings began on the 38th 
of August, the river being at the points selected 1,200 feet at the narrow- 
est and 2,700 feet at the widest point. In spite of the very limited bridge 
facilities for any portion of the troops, and the fact that some divisions were 
without any, at the end of seven days the army was on the south bank, ready 
for its mountain marches." 

" Once across, the columns moved with expedition. They had before 
them, and between them and the valleys that led from the south into Chatta- 
nooga, the precipitous Sand Mountains and Lookout ranges. These were 
of the general height of the Cumberland Mountains, very steep, with rock 
pallisades along the summits. The trails which crossed them were narrow 
and exceedingly difficult for teams, in fact impassible for loaded trains, ex- 
cept where, as in an army, there is unlimited command of horse and man 
power. The teams were doubled both for baggage wagons and artil- 
lery, and in addition, at the steepest points, ropes at which entire com- 
panies pulled were also attached. An idea of the difficulties of ascend- 
ing these mountains will be gained by a knowledge of the fact that it re- 
quired from sundown to sunrise for the artillery and moderate train of a 
single brigade thus assisted to reach the summit of the first range. But by 
utilizing every trail, and working day and night, at the end of the fourth 
day, namely, on September 8, the whole army had crossed Sand Mountains 
and descended into Lookout Valley, and the heads of its columns had gained 
the summit of Lookout at two points, one 26 and the other 43 miles south 
of the river, from which positions they looked down on Bragg's communica- 
tions. Crittenden's corps had moved down the valley toward the north 
point of Lookout, where it occupied the position of an observing force near 
Chattanooga." 

When General Bragg found the Union Army on the south bank of 
the river threatening his supplies he evacuated Chattanooga, withdrawing 
to Lafayette, 25 miles southeast to await reinforcements from Mississippi, 
and the arrival of Longstreet from Virginia. 

" On the 9th of September Crittenden's division passed around the 
point of the mountain into Chattanooga. It was this appearance of one 
division in the city which gave rise to the report, still generally believed, 
that the Army of the Cumberland had occupied Chattanooga without a ' 
battle, had moved thence to attack Bragg, had been overwhelmed at Chick- 
amauga and driven back again in confused and disastrous retreat to Chatta- 
nooga. But Crittenden only left a brigade in the city, and passed through, 
following Bragg's retreat for purposes of observation and to join the rest of 



8 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



the arniv then emcrginj^ from the j^asses over Lookout into the valley far 
south of Chattaiu)o<j^a. 

The probable reasons why (ieneral Rosecrans did not attempt to con- 
centrate his a/mv about Chattanooj^a, are <^iven at lenjjjth by General 
liovnton, the principal beinj^ that the }:)(;sitions of his corps was unfavorable 
to such a movement in tiie face ^.f so wary a foe as (ieneral Bra<;t;, and 
misleadini^ information as to reinforcements, 

Tiie battle of Chickamauj^a occurred on the 19th and 20th of Septem- 
ber, ten iiays subsecjuent. The conflict to the last was desperate, as the f<^l- 
lowin^ will sliow: 

THE LAST ASSAULT. 

" Longstrcct's last assault began shortly before 5 o'clock and lasted two 
hours. In preparing for it, he asked Bragg for reinforcements from the 
right, but was informed, as Longstrect reports, 'that thev had been beaten 
back so badly that they could be of no service to me.' Preston's fine di\'- 
ision of four brigades, which up to that hour had not been in the battle, were 
given the advance. Behind this line were Kershaw's troops andjohnston's 
and Ilindman's and Stewart's divisions. 'AH these, with yells and a mighty 
momentum, once more rushed up the slopes of the range. An armv was 
assaulting three thin divisions. There were ten Confederate brigades in 
front of the four which Brannan and Granger had in line, and four of these 
in Longstreet's column were veterans who had not fired a gun in the battle. 
The assaulting force before Wood was about in the same proportion. But 
(jranger, Brannan and Wood stood immovable. To those present on cither 
side, the memory of those hours is of the severest musketry of their ex- 
perience. It never slackened, except as ammunition ran low at times on the 
Union side, and in place of firing came the cheers of the charging lines as 
thev rushed down with the bayonet upon the ascending columns. Ilind- 
man, from the Army of Northern Virginia, declared he had never seen 
Union soldiers fight as well, and never saw Confederate troops fight better. 
Seen from the base of the range, its summit was sheeted with fire and 
smoke, or gleamed with its hedge of steel. Pressing up its slopes, line fol- 
lowed line from below, and from above came line after line torn, bleeding, 
dying, tumbling over on those behind, while on the ci'est the contracting 
Union lines closed over their wounded and their dead, and stood unmoved 
in their places under the flag till the sun went down and the road for which 
they had contended was won." 

Just before dusk Stecdman was withdrawn from Brannan's right, leav- 
ing Van Derveer's Brigade the right of the armv for the closing half hour 
of the fight, as it had been the left of the line when the battle opened on 
the first day. And here the 35th Ohio, of this brigade, which the first dav 
received the brunt of the final rebel effort on the left, drove back a line of 
Longstreet's men, which had gained the ridge when Steedman's withdrew, 
and fired the last volley of the day. Brannan's division had formerl}- been 
General Thomas' own command, and Van Derver's brigade in Thomas' 
division as far back as Mill Springs. He well knew both brigade and div- 
ision, and made of both his flying forces for use on all parts of the line. 

No description can convey more than an idea of the steadfast valor and 
the terrific onsets of that field. Only the strength of defensive position and 
furious, never-flinching fighting saved Thomas' lines from the magnificent 
assaults of Bragg's forces. When the sun went down the second day 30,000 
killed and wounded attested the courage, the devotion and effective fio-htin<>- 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



of those engaged. The camjDaign was a success for Rosecrans. The battle 
was the full revelation of Thomas — the most perfect military character of 
Union history — and the matchless fighting along his lines glorified the private 
soldiers who held them steady and saved an armv. 

Much of the ground described above is within the scope of the pan- 
orama; but, being too distant for distinct portrayal, the description is made 
as complete as space will admit. General Cist states, "that General Rose- 
crans had on the field 55,000 effective men, opposed to Bragg's 70,000 
troops in line, and that Rosecrans' losses aggregated 1,687 killed, 9,394 
wounded, 5,255 missing, total 16,336. Bragg's losses, in part estimated, 
were 2,673 killed, 16,274 wounded, and 2,003 missing, a total of 20,950. A 
full report of rebel losses was never made." 

Chattanooga was converted into a fortress, the outer lines of which ex- 
tended from the bluffs on the river above to the banks of the river below 
the town, which was encircled and covered from all land approach. These 
\vorks, a little more than three miles in extent, were strengthened where- 
ever possible by special fortifications. Forts Wood and Neglev, Batteries 
Sheridan, Rosseau, Cheatham, were among these within this line. Other 
works were built, all finally covered by the fort on Cameron Hill. To an 
assault, Chattanooga was practicably impregnable. The question of forage 
and rations was the problem to be solved. General Bragg with his army 
occupied Alissionary Ridge, from which to Lookout Mountain a strong 
line of rifle-pits crossed Chattanooga Valley. Lookout, a fortress in itself, 
had been strengthened by rifle-pits. The only possible route for supplies 
was forty miles long, across mountain ranges, over roads which were such 
in name alone. Day by day the starved battery horses fell dead at the 
picket ropes, and rigid economy of food was every where practiced. Mat- 
ters grew more and more desperate. The I'oad over Waldron's Ridge w^as 
fringed with dead mules. Soldiers had vmsoldered their canteens, and with 
nails improvised graters, with which to provide meal when ears' of corn 
could be obtained. The bark of young cottonwood trees sustained such 
mules as had perforce acquired an inclination for it. These were starva- 
tion times in Chattanooga, and to add to the hardship, the weather \vas un- 
usually severe for that region, and fuel difiicult to obtain. 

With the situation as outlined, it would seem impossible that the 
morale of the army should be what it was. The troops \vere cheerful, and 
confident as to the future. The relief of General Rosecrans occasioned 
unquestionable regret, but the confidence of the Army in General Thomas 
was unbounded. 

The transportation of General Hooker with the Eleventh and 
Twelfth corps from the Army of the Potomac to Bridgeport, was under 
the personal supervision of Col. Thomas A. Scott, with such Lieutenants as 
Frank Thomson as aids. General Grant reached Chattanooga on the night 
of October 23. 

Plans alreadv in progress to open and control the navigation of the 
Tennessee River were examined and ordered executed imder the super- 
vision of General W. F. Smith, Chief Engineer of the Army of the 
Cumberland. Under cover of darkness fifteen hundred gallant men of 
Hazen's brigade floated from Chattanooga down the Tennessee to Brown's 
Ferry. 

The enemy's pickets and batteries were passed without discoverv, and 
at dawn on October 27, the lodgement at Brown's Ferr}' Was complete, 
being held by Hazen's and Turchin's brigades, protected by ample fortifi- 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA, 



cations. The same afternoon I Iooker''s advance occiii;)iecl Wauhatchie in 
Lookout Valley, and at nij^ht repelled a vigorous attack made by I^ing- 
strcet's men who were driven back to their camps at Lookout, after a short 
but determined en<2^a<2^ement. Hooker's occupation of Lookout Valley 
settletl the cjuestion of suj)plies, and Chattanooj^a was presently filled with 
stores of food and ammunition. Heavy ordnance replaced field batteries in 
the fortifications, and much needed clothin<^ was provided for the soldiers. 
For the safetv of Burnside's position at Knoxville there was apj^re- 
hension which became ti^rave from the fact that Lonj^street's command, re- 
inforced by troops from Bragg's immediate army, was marching toward 
Last Tennessee. 

liut Sherman was close at hand. After a march of .joo miles, his lead- 
ing division reached Brown's Ferry November i8. 

" Two of his divisions crossed and moved along concealed roads, 
through the woods and behind the hills to a point on the north bank of the 
river eight miles above the town, near the mouth of the North Chicka- 
mauga and opposite Bragg's position on the northern extremity of Mission- 
ary Ridge. Here thev were cainped out of sight. The breaking of the 
bridge at Brown's prevented the crossing of the third division. On the 22nd 
of November the Eleventh Corps, under Howard, composed of Schurz's 
and Stein wehr's divisions, was brought over the bridge from Hooker's 
position, marched into the town, and given prominent position in the line to 
convey the impression to the enemy watching from theheights that the town 
was being reinforced by the troops passing on the bridge, and thus direct 
attention from Sherman's movements, and the preparations for crossing at 
the North Chickamauga. 

"The first contest opened on the Union side with what the enemy mis- 
took for a grand review, but which suddenly and unexpectedly developed 
into a battle worthy of the initial move in the series to follow. In front of 
Fort Wood and its adjacent batteries located in the eastern limits of the city, 
and looking out over the plain towards Missionary Ridge, the ground at 
first descends rapidly, and then rolls gently away, furnishing abundant space 
for a great review. About noon of November 23, this portion of the plain 
and the open country to the right and left of it began, under orders from 
General Thomas, to fill with troops. First, Wood's division moved out 
ajid deployed. Sheridan followed and took position farther to the right 
and slightly to the rear. Howard's corps, massed by divisions and brigades, 
marched with the precision of a review into place in rear of Wood and 
vShcridan, liaird moved out of the works to the right of the latter, and 
formed in echelon in his rear, while Johnston's division stood to arms in the 
intrcnchments in rear of the centre. For a brief time, while the various 
commanders were receiving their orders, this grand pageant of twenty 
thousand men, ready for a spring on the enemy's advanced line, stood 
motionless as if for review. The rebel pickets leaned lazily on their guns, 
enjoying the spectacle. Groups of Confederates could be seen on Lookout, 
on Orchard Knob, and along the ridge, watching the display. Even the for- 
ward movement of the leading deployed divisions did not dispel the illusion 
until the Ibiion picket-line advanced, firing. Wood, followed by an army 
on his Hanks and in rear, moved rapidly on Orchard Knob, a mile and a 
([uavtcr to the front, sweeping away pickets and reserves, and carrying the 
Knob and hill on the right. Sheridan swiftly moved upon and grasped 
the i^ositions still farther to the right. Howard's two divisions deployed to 
the left, and after sharp fighting occupied the rebel line in his front. Before 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



night the vast drill ground, over which an army under guise of a review 
had moved to the attack with the precision of parade, had been extended 
until the entire advanced line of the enemy, two miles in length, was in the 
possession of these very practical columns of review. Seldom had troops 
moved under more inspiring circumstances. On the Union side. Grant 
and Thomas, v^^ith crowds of staff officers, the population of a city, and 
thousands of their comrades, looked down on them from the town. From 
the enemy's line a large part of the Confederate army on its many heights 
was watching them. The heavy guns from the forts covering the move- 
ment called universal attention to their imposing advance and gave the 
added inspiration of a tremendous cannonade. Thus incited, the quiet but 
magnificent pageant developed into the swift advance and speedy 
victory of an army. The captiu"ed line afforded distinct views of the rebel 
works along the foot of the Ridge beyond, and the exact character of the 
ground before them, and formed an excellent base for the final assault 
which two days later closed the battle and gave victory to the Union arms. 

While this movement was in progress Sherman w^as laboring hard to 
concentrate his forces for crossing the river, but the bridge at the ferry 
breaking again, while one of his divisions was still on the south bank, the 
plan of battle was changed for the second time, and Hooker w^as ordered to 
move at daylight and attack Lookout. For this he had Geary's division of 
the Twelfth Corps, the delayed division of Sherman's column, under Oster- 
haus, and two brigades of Cruft's division of the Fourth Corps; troops 
which thus first met each other while advancing in actual battle. 

It was a busy night on both sides. Believing that an assault on Look- 
out was the least likely of all, and that the next blow would fall on his 
right, Bragg during the night withdrew an entire division from the mount- 
ain to strengthen the Ridge. All night long the rebel signal torches were 
waving in the sight of both armies from all the heights, busily writing 
their mysterious characters of fire against the sky. Hooker, in Lookout 
Valley, was preparing his forces to move at daylight, against the craggy 
heights above him. At midnight, far away on the other flank, one hundred 
and sixteen boats, carrying Giles A. Smith's brigade of Sherman's men, 
floated silently out of the mouth of the North Chickamauga, and shot 
rapidly to the south bank of the Tennessee. The enemy's pickets were 
surprised, and a landing made near the mouth ot South Chickamauga 
Creek without serious opposition. At daylight two divisions were over, a 
strong bridge-head had been constructed, the bridge itself w^as well 
advanced, and Sherman's forces stood facing the strongly fortifled right 
flank of the Confederate position. Wood and Sheridan used the night for 
strengthening their lines, and placing batteries on the hills they had captured. 
As the light gre%v strong enough to reveal positions, the enemy's attention 
was mainly fixed on Sherman's threatening position. Bragg's expectation 
of an attack on his right seemed about to be realized, as three divisions 
moved forward and slowly deployed a little more than a mile away. But 
the real mysteries of this second day were veiled by the fogs on Lookout. 
Under that impenetrable cui'tain Hooker was arranging his lines for an 
assault which a few hours later was to present to the hosts of both armies 
on the plains and lesser ridges below, a drama of battle played on such 
lofty summits, and so wrapped in cloud-effects of fog, as to seem more like 
a contest raging in the skies, than one borne upward on the solid mountain. 

A brief preliminary sketch of the position somewhat more in detail 
than the general view already presented, is needed to fix the features of the 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



wonderful scene in mind. Advancinj:^ towaid Chattanooga from the south 
alonj^ the crest of Lookout Mountain, the road traverses a gently broken 
table-land of very considerable width, terminated on each side by high 
precipices. For two miles before reaching the point of the mountain which 
looks down upon the citv, and is fourteen hundred feet above it, this table- 
land narrows to a width of half a mile, and the precipices on either side are 
about one hundred feet in height. From the base of those sheer rocky 
walls, the mountain slopes on the right to Chattanooga Creek, on the left 
to Lookout Creek, and directly under the point, downward to the Tennessee. 
These slopes of the mountain are something over a mile in extent, and the 
streams both in the eastern and the western valley require bridges. Ex- 
cept on the portions facing the town, which had been partially cleared for 
farming, the ground was everywhere crossed with ledges of rock, strewn 
with detached masses from the precipices above, tangled with fallen timber, 
and studded with sufficient forest to conceal defensive works and forces. 
The onlv roa'd to the summit led up from Chattanooga Valley from a 
point within the Confederate lines. These apparentlv impracticable slopes 
had been heavilv fortified against approach from Hooker's position, and, 
after the withdrawal the night before of one division, were still held bv six 
brigades, which, counting the immense strength of position and works, al- 
most equalled as many divisions for offensive purposes. 

At 8 o'clock in the morning of the 24th, Geary crossed Lookout 
Creek, about two miles up the valley, with his own division and Whit- 
taker's brigade of the Fourth corps, and under cover of the fog marched 
directly up the western slope of the mountain till his right rested at the foot 
of the palisades, his left reaching the base of the mountain below. Mean- 
time a brigade had forced the passage of the creek a half ajnile above the 
rebel intrenchments, and planted artillery to enfilade one portion of their 
line. Guns had also been dragged to the tops of several high hills in the 
valley, while batteries were brought close to the enemy's lines at a bridge 
near the mouth of the creek, where the division of Osterhaus confronted 
the rebel works. A section of twenty-pounder Parrotts was hauled to an 
elevation that would enable them to reach the camps on the upper slopes, 
and the heavy casemated guns of Brannan, on Moccasin Point, across the 
river, were made ready to open on the front of the mountain. All these 
.preparations to strike had progressed under cover of the night and the 
morning fog, and had only provoked brisk picket-firing, which was inaud- 
ible in the main Union lines. While the sounds of general movement 
rose through the fog, its character could not be ascertained bv the enemv 
above till the blows began to fall; and the distance to Bragg's headquarters 
on Missionarv Ridge and the impossibilitv of signalling prevented anv 
notification of the great stir in Lookout Valley reaching him, and so he 
continued to give chief attention to Sherman's demonstration. At eleven 
o'clock, Geary's line, sweeping the slope from palisades to base, reached the 
forces posted with the enfilading artillery. Here, while the Union lines 
were being re-arranged and reinforced for their great swing against the 
rebel works and around the point of the mountain, nature's Viist curtain of 
fog began to rise upon the opening scenes of the great drama. 

Suddenly the Union batteries opened on the mountain, calling the 
enemy's attention away from Sherman's threatening movements, and 
announcing unexpected battle around the crags of Lookout. Except where 
Sherman was advancing, silence fell along the many miles of opposing 
lines, from every part of which the Confederate works on the front of the 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA, 13 

mountain covild be seen. From the valley beyond these, and so behind the 
mountain, came the sound ot the volleys, of Geary's advance. More than 
a hundred thousand spectators stood motionless, listening intently, with 
gaze fixed on the points where the storm of battle, roaring down the west- 
ern valley, might be expected to burst over the front of the mountain. Just 
befoi-e the contending lines came into view the fog lifted still higher, and a 
scene such as battle-story cannot surpass was clearly revealed. Its appear- 
ance was announced by the crashing shot of many guns and the cheers of 
charging infantry, which drove the Confederates from their lower works, 
and forced them back to their main lines. The Union line could be plainly 
seen in its advance, its flags dotting the front at intervals, from the 
precipices above to the river bluff below. The heavy batteries on Moccasin 
Point continually burst their shells in front of this line; the rebel artillery 
flamed in its very face, and volley after volley rained on its advancing, but 
never-halting veterans. As the sharp contest for the rebel line in the open 
space went on, the Union forces in the plain below cheered, seemingly as 
soldiers never could have cheered before, and all the bands along that front 
of many miles played on and on, while Hooker's lines, ten thousand strong, 
swept around the mountain, pushing the enemy from its front, and forcing 
him southward along its eastern slopes. At two o'clock the heavy fight- 
ing was done, and the lower stronghold of the mountain had been wressed 
from the enemv. Carlin's brigade, from Chattanooga, marched with 
supplies of ammunition up the mountain to Hooker's right, under the pal- 
isades, and did good service at the close of the day. All night the flash of 
rifles from the outposts shone through the fog; and when morning broke 
it had not yet been determined whether the enemy had withdrawn from his 
unassailable position on the top of the mountain. The day dawned clear. 
All eyes in the Union bivouacs were strained towards the summit. Gradually 
it grew purple with the strengthening light; and just as the sun broke over 
it a squad of men walked out on the rock overhanging the precipice at the 
point of the mountain, and, in the view of the watching and breathless 
thousands, unfurled the Stars and Stripes. Once more cheers and music 
swept along the plain, and an army of veterans looked long- through its 
tears at this mute announcement of a second victory. 

Then came the closing scene and fitting culmination of the three days' 
pageant. While Hooker's assault on Lookout was at its height, Sherman 
moved unmolested, and at 4 p. m. had apparently carried the northern ex- 
tremity of Missionary Ridge. The mystery of this failure to oppose him 
was explained by the discovery that the elevations he had occupied were 
not a part of the continuous ridge, but that Bragg's strongly fortified flank 
rested on the next hills to the south. At this point the heavy fighting of 
the closing day began in Sherman's effort to carry the rebel right. 

The cheering of the flag displayed on Lookout, at sunrise on the 25th, 
had scarcely died away before Sherman moved to the attack, and the sounds 
of action turned universal attention away from the mountain to the Union 
left. Hooker also moved at daylight, through Chattanooga Valley, driving 
before him the rear-guard of the column retreating from Lookout. On 
reaching Rossville, after sharp fighting, he ascended Missionary Ridge, and 
forming his lines across it, threatened Bragg's left. He had, however, been 
much delayed by the necessity of bridging Chattanooga Creek, and Sher- 
man on the right had been furiously fighting many hours before Hooker 
gained position. The entire rebel army was now concentrated upon 



,4 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



Missionary Ridj^c, covcrinji^ its crest for about six miles. Four divisions of 
the Army of the Cumberland faced three miles of this position, occupyinj^ 
the works which had been carried in the tirst day's advance. Howard's 
corps of the same army, still farther to the left, confronted the Ridge to a 
point within a mile of Sherman. During the forenoon Confederate troops 
could be plainh' seen moving along the summit, strengthening their centre, 
and massing heavily against Sherman. 

The plan of battle made .Sherman's advance the guiding movement. 
His centre was to carry the northern extremity of the Ridge, while his 
wings swept its western and eastern slopes. The Army of the Cuiyibcr- 
land, closing to the left, was to join Sherman's right, and moving southerly 
with his line, clear the Valley to the base of the Ridge, and aid in the flank 
attack on the lower line of works. 

The battle opened early by three brigades of Sherman's troops descend- 
ing the hills thev had occupied the day before, which had at first been sup- 
posed to be a part of the continuous Ridge, and assaulting the works of 
Bragg's right on the next heights beyond. These rested not only across 
the Ridge, but extended along lateral spurs, which gave abundant room for 
strong works, and the operations of a heavy defending force. The moment 
Sherman's leading brigade moved out of the cover of woods on the hills, 
and began to descend into the gorge separating them from the enemy, they 
were exposed to a murderous fire; but after reaching the valley they rushed 
upward to the attack, and seized and held a spur within a hundred yards of 
the rebel works. From this point assault followed assault, the Union line 
being constantly swept back by the concentrated fire of the Confederate 
lines, delivered almost in their faces. Howard's corps was sent to Sherman 
from Thomas' left as early as ten o'clock, and six divisions were then en- 
gaged in the attempt to capture the extremity of the Ridge. Still, every 
front assault though made on all parts of the line with the utmost courage, 
was hurled back, and the same fate met the flank attacks on the eastern and 
western slopes. 

The terrible pendulum swings of Sherman's troops against the heights 
— more terrible because seemingly fruitless — were plainly seen from Orchard 
Knob, where Grant, Thomas, and Sheridan stood watching the contest 
hour after hour, with an intensit}^ of interest and a growing impatience 
which were inseparable from the situation. The sun was nearing the west- 
ern ranges. Hooker's guns had not been heard on the right, and Sherman 
was unable with all his force to make further impression on the left. Baird 
was hurried to his aid. He then had seven divisions, or over half the 
Union army, but there being no room for Baird to operate, he returned to 
the centre, and had just formed again on the left of the Army of the 
Cumberland, when the grand spectacular movement began which closed 
the fight. 

It came from a sudden change in the plan of battle, demanded by the 
exigencies of the field. Thomas was ordered to move directly against the 
Ridge. It was three o'clock in the afternoon when he received the order 
to advance. Four of his divisions, with a front of about two miles and a 
half, stood facing the Ridge, at a distance of a mile and a quarter from its 
base. Johnson held the right, Sheridan and Wood the centre, and Baird 
the left. The ground between them and the Ridge was a plain, broken 
with shallow streams, and thinly covered with patches of thicket and forest. 
The rebel works along the foot of the hills could be plainly seen, the 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 15 

ground before them having been well cleared to give effective play to the 
guns. Half way up the slope was a second line, while the crest was 
strengthened with continuous tield-works carrving fifty guns, and defended 
along the line of Thomas' assault by four veteran divisions. 

At half past three o'clock, at a signal of six gims from Orchard Knob, 
twenty thousand men, in four lines, swept forward over the plain, deploy- 
ing somewhat as they advanced, so as to cover three miles of the Ridge. 
Fifty guns rained shot and shell upon them as they started, and sprinkled 
them with deadly sleet over all the way. There were many dead and 
wounded, but no stragglers, as those magnificent waves of battle rolled on. 
In fifteen minutes they were within range of the galling infantry fire from 
the lower line of works; in fifteen more they had swept over them along 
their entire front, and the rebel troops not captured were in full retreat 
towards their second line above. The orders for the movement contem- 
plated a halt in the first line of works for slight rest, and a re-forming of 
lines for forward movement; but impatient under the galling fire from above, 
elated by success, anxious and determined to plav their full part in the day's 
pageant, the front line scarcely halted at the lower works, but springing 
over and out of them, began to climb the rough face of the Ridge. 

It was five hundred yards to the summit. The general elevation \^^as 
five hundi-ed feet, and from a point a short distance within the works at the 
base, the slope became precipitous. It was broken by ravines, tangled with 
fallen timber, strewn ^vith masses of rock, and covered at jDoints with loose 
stone from the ledges on the crest. Spurs projected from the face of the 
Ridge at intervals, serving for natural bastions from which field artillery 
and riflemen swept the intervening curtains of the slope with an enfilading 
fire. But nothing less than the palisades of Lookout could have stopped 
that Army of the Cumberland, though Bragg and his thousands above still 
deemed their position impregnable. All heights were fringed with spec- 
tators of that wonderful assault. The guns in the Union works which had 
covered the first advance were necessarily silent. The sun shone clear on 
the slopes, and the advancing flags and glittering bayonets marked the rush 
of the swift ascent. Under the fire of sharpshooters, color-bearers fell at 
every point of the line, only to be relieved by other hands eagerly bearing 
the colors forward. This deadly fire gradually drew each regiment towards 
its flags, and soon, far as the eye could reach along the slope, the line was 
transformed into countless wedge-shaped masses, with a flag at the point of 
each, cleaving their way upward, following the headlong push of the 
guards bearing the colors. The rebels that had been hurled back from the 
lower lines were soon driven out of the second parallel, and thence pursued 
so closely to the svnnmit, that retreating Confederate and the Union flags 
poured over the whole extended line of works together. There was sharp 
hand-to-hand fighting at points, after the crest was gained, and a battle of 
much spirit on the left, where columns of the enemy, hurrying from Sher- 
man's front, undertook, but without success, to drive Baird back. Bragg 
and Breckinridge in person barely escaped Sheridan's troops when they 
crowned the summit. Forty guns and several thousand prisoners were 
taken in the works. From the first it had been an advance almost wholly 
without firing. Each successive line of works and the summit were carried 
with the bavonet. In an hour from the sounding of the signal guns, Bragg 
had been swept from these dominating positions of a great natural fortress, 



i6 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 

strcnj^thciicd by every eii>^inecrin<if art, and the sun, which at its rising, 
lij^hlecl up that one Haj^ on Lookout, rested, at its setting, on the countless 
hanners which a storming arniv liad planted along the crest of Missionary 
Ridge. 

At nightfall Bragg, hotlv )3ursucd, was in full retreat, leaving Chatta- 
nooga, the most important stronghold in tlie West, in Union control. 

* 

•The above is largely from General H.V.N. Boy.nton's article in the United Service Magazine. 



* EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF MAJ.-GEN. W. T. SHERMAN. 

" In reviewing the facts, I must do justice to the men of m}- command 
for the patience, cheerfulness, and courage which officers and men have dis- 
played throughout, in battle, on the march, and in camp. For long periods 
without regular rations, or supplies of any kind, they have marched through 
mud and over rocks, sometimes barefooted, without a murmur. Without a 
moment's rest after a march of over four hundred miles, without sleep for 
three successive nights, we crossed the Tennessee, fought our part of the 
battle of Chattanooga, pursued the enemy out of Tennessee, and then turned 
more than a hundred and twentv miles north, and compelled Longstreet to 
raise the siege of Knoxville, which gave so much anxiety to the whole 
country. It is hard to realize the importance of these events without recall- 
ing the memory of the general feeling which pervaded all minds prior to 
our arrival. I cannot speak of the Fifteenth Army Corps without seem- 
ing vanit}-; but as I am no longer its commander, I assert that there is no 
better body of soldiers in America than it. I wish all to feel a just pride in 
its real honors." 

* General Sherman's report was in the form of a letter to General John A. Rawlins, 
General Grant's chief of staff. 



Battles of Chattanooga. 



General Grant has written that "The plan of battle was, for Sherman to attack the 
enemy's right flank, form a line across it, extend our left over South Chickamauga 
Creek, so as to threaten or hold the railroad in Bragg's rear, and thus force him either to 
weaken his lines elsewhere or lose his connection with his base at Chickamauga Station. 
Hooker was to perform like service on our right. His problem was to get from Look- 
out valley to Chattanooga valley in the most expeditious way possible; cross the latter 
valley rapidly to Rossville, south of Bragg's line on Missionary Ridge, forin line there 
across the ridge, facing north, with his right flank extended to Chickamauga valley east 
of the ridge, thus threatening the enemy's rear on that flank and compelling him to re- 
enforce this also. Thomas, with the Army of the Cumberland, occupied the centre, and 
was to assault while the enemj' was engaged with most of his forces on his two flanks." 

The final instructions to General Thomas were as follows: 

" Chattanooga, Tenn., November iS, i86j. 
Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi. 

"iGeneral: All preparations should be made for attacking the enemy's position on 
Missionary Ridge by Saturday morning at daylight. Not being provided with a map giving 
names of roads, spurs of the mountain, and other places, such definite instructions can- 
not be given as might be desirable. However, the general plan, you understand, is for 
Sherman, with the force brought with him, strengthened by a division from vour com- 
mand, to effect a crossing of the Tennessee river just below the mouth of Chickamauga, 
his crossing to be protected by artillery from the heights on the north bank of the river, 
(to be located by your chief of artillery,) and to carry the heights from the northern 
extremity to about the railroad tunnel before the enemy can concentrate a force ao-ainst 
him. You will co-operate with Sherman. The troops in Chattanooga vallev should 
be well concentrated on your left flank, leaving only the necessary force to defend forti- 
fications on your right and centre, and a movable column of one division in readiness to 
move wherever ordered. This division should show itself as threateningly' as possible 
on the most practicable line for making an attack up the valley. Your effort then will be 
to form a junction with Sherman, making your advance well towards the north end of 
Missionary Ridge, and moving as near simultaneously with him as possible. The junc- 
tion once formed and the ridge carried, communication will be at once^ established be- 
tween the two armies by roads on the south bank of the river. Further movements will 
then depend on those of the enemy. 

" Lookout Valley, I think, will be easily held by Geary's division and what troops 
you may still have there belonging to the old army of the Cumberland. Howard's corps 
can then be held in readiness to act either with you at Chattanooga or Avith Sherman. 
It should be marched on Friday night to a position on the north side of the river not 
lower down than the first pontoon bridge, and there held in readiness for such orders as 
may become necessarj'. 

********* 

'■ I am. General, verv respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" U. S. GRANT, 
" Alajor General Commanding. 
"Major General George H. Thomas. 

" Commanding Department atid Army of the Cumberland." 

General Thomas states that my instructions for the operations of the 2:5th were as 
follows : 

" Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, 

" Chattanooga, Tenn., November 24, iSdj. 

" General : General Sherman carried Missionary Ridge as far as the tunnel with 

only slight skirmishing. His right now rests at the tunnel and on top of the hill ; his 

left at Chickamauga creek. I have instructed General Sherman to advance as soon as it is 

light in the morning, and your attack, which will be simultaneous, will be in co-operation. 



18 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



Your coininancl will cither carry the rifle pits and rids^e directly in front of them, or 
move to the left, as the pres'ence of the enemy n^ay require. If Hooker's present 
position on the mountain can he maintained with a small force, and it is found imprac- 
ticahle to carrv the top from where he is, it would he advisahle for him to move up the 
vallev with all" the force he can spare, and ascend hv the first practicahle road. 

" N'erv respectfully, ' U. S. GRANT, 

" Major CiriNiuil Coiiumindin!^^'' 
" Major General (Jeorge H.Thomas, 

" Coinmunding Army of the Cumbrrhiiuir 
Truecopv: S. C. KELLOGG, 

Brevet Major and Aid-dc-Camp. 

Concernini^ the carrving out of these plans much has heen written. 

The soldiers of the army of the Cumberland carried the ridge, and the following ex- 
tract clearlv explains the manner of confidence General Grant had when he looked for- 
ward to the result. 

Upon his elevation to the rank of Lieutenant General, General Grant addressed a 
sincere letter to Generals Sherman and McPhcrson. 

General Sherman's characteristic reply was marked private and confidential. The 
following paragraph is of present interest. 

" I believe vou are as brave, patriotic, and just, as the great prototype Washington ; 
as unselfish, kind-hearted, and honest as a man should be; but your chief character- 
istic is the simple faith in success you have always manifested, which I can liken to 
nothing else than the faith a Christian has in a Saviour. This faith gave you victory at 
Shiloh and Vicksburg. Also, when you have completed your best preparations, you go 
into battle without hesitation, as at Chattanooga— no doubts, no reserves, and I tell you 
it was that made us act with confidence. I knew where ever I was, that you thought of 
me; and if I got in a tight place you would come if alive." 



CONFEDERATE REPORTS 

Reports of General Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, Commanding Army of 

Tennessee. 

Mission Ridge, November 23, 1S63. 
The enemy advanced in heavy force at 2 p. m. and drove in our pickets. He is still 
in line of battle in our front, but does not advance and all firing has ceased. 

BRAXTON BRAGG, 
General S.Cooper. General. 

Mission Ridge, November 24, 1863. 
* * We have had a prolonged struggle for Lookout Mountain to-dav and sustained 
considerable loss in one division. Elsewhere the enemj' has only manoeuvred for pos- 
ition. Nothing from the northeast. Telegraph not working. Jones should press on. 
General S. Cooper. BRAXTON BRAGG. 

Chickamauga, November 25, 1S63 — 7 p.m. 
After several unsuccessful assaults on our lines to-day the enemv carried the lefl 
centre about 4 o'clock. The whole left soon gave way in considerable disorder. The 
right maintained its ground, repelling every attack. I am withdrawing all to this point. 
General S. Cooper. BRAXTON BRAGG. 

Dalton, November 27, 1S63. 
Received at Meridian, November 30, 1863. 
The enemy pressed our rear guard yesterday nearly to Ringgold. Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Maney was severely wounded. The main portion of the armv has reached this 
point. At last advices our rear was warmly engaged at Ringgold^ which we are en- 
deavoring to hold. Our loss in artillery on the 25th was very heavy — probablv 40 
pieces; in men, very small. The disastrous panic is inexplicable. 

General Johnston. BRAXTON BRAGG. 

♦This desputch would indicate tliat something (?) had occurred. That of tlie 25th is a still further occurrence 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. ]9 

Paltox, December 2, 1S63. 
Received at Meridian, December 3, 1863. 

The enemy pursued us to Ringgold, Avhere ■\ve punished him very severely. He 
then retreated, destroying all behind him, and will not press us again immediately. We 
are in good condition, with plenty artillery. I am superseded in command at my o\vn 
request bv Hardee. The future is pregnant Avith great events, but I believe our destiny 
is safe Avith prompt and united action. BRAXTON BRAGG. " 

General j. E. Johxstox. 

Headquarters Army of Tennessee, 
D.VLTON, Ga., November 30, 1863. 

Sir: On Monday, the 23d, the enemy advanced in heavy force and drove in our 
picket line in front of Missionary Ridge, butinade no further effort. 

On Tuesday morning early they threw over the river a heavy force opposite the 
north end of the ridge and just below the mouth of the Chickamauga, at the same time 
displaying a heavy force in our immediate front. After visiting the right and making 
dispositions there for the new development in that direction, I returned towards the left 
to find a heavy cannonading going on from the enemy's batteries on our forces occup\ - 
ing the slope of Lookout Mountain between the crest and the river. A very heav^- 
iorce soon advanced to the assault, and was niet by one brigade only, (Withall's) which 
made a desperate resistance, but was finally compelled to yield ground. Why this com- 
mand was not sustained is yet imexplained. The commander on that part of the 
field (Major-General Stevenson) had six brigades at his disposal. Upon his urgent 
appeal another brigade was dispatched in the afternoon to his support, though it 
appeared his own forces had not been brought into action and I proceeded to the scene. 
Arriving just before sunset I found we had lost all the advantages of the position. Or- 
ders were immediately given for the ground to be disputed until we could withdraw our 
forces across Chattanooga Creek, and the movement was commenced. This having 
been successfully accomplished, our whole forces were concentrated on the ridge and 
■extended to the right to meet the movement in that direction. 

On Wednesday, the 25th, I again visited the extreme right, now vmder Lieutenant- 
General Hardee, and threatened by a heavy force, while strong columns could be seen 
marching in that direction. A very heavy force in line of battle confronted our left and 
centre. 

On my return to this point about 11 a. m., the enemy's forces were being moved in 
heavy masses from Lookout and beyond to our front, while those in front extended to 
our right. They formed their lines with great deliberation just beyond the range of our 
guns and in plain view of our position. Though greatly outnumbered, such was the 
strength of our position that no doubt was entertained of our ability to hold it, and every 
disposition was made for that purpose. During this time they had made several at- 
tempts on our extreme right, and had been handsomely repulsed Arith very heavy loss by 
Major-General Cleburne's command, under the immediate directions^ of Lieutenant- 
General Hardee. By the road across the ridge at Rossville, far to our left, a route was 
open to our rear. Major-General Breckinridge, commanding on the left, had occupied 
this with two regiments and a battery. It being reported to me that a force of the 
enemj' had moved in that direction, the General was ordered to have it reconnoitred, 
and to make every disposition necessary to secure his flank, which he proceeded to do. 

About 3:30 p. m., the immense force in the front of our left and centre advanced in 
three lines, preceeded by heavy skirmishers. Our batteries opened with fine effect, and 
much confusion was produced before they reached musket range. 

In a short time the roar of musketry became very heavy, and it was soon apparent 
the enemy had been repulsed in my immediate front. While riding along the crest con- 
gratulating the troops, intelligence reached me that our line was broken on my right, 
and the enemy had crowned the ridge. Assistance was promptly dispatched to that 
point under Brigadier General Bate, who had so successfully maintained the ground in 
my front, and I proceeded to the rear of the broken line to rally our retiring troops and 
return them to the crest to dinxe the enemy back. General Bate found the disaster so 
great that his small force could not repair it. 

About this time I learned that our extreme left had also given away, and that my 
position was almost surrounded- Bate was immediately directed to form a second line 
in the rear, where, by the efforts of my staff, a nucleus of stragglers had been formed 
upon which to rally. Lieutenant-General Hardee, leaving Major-General Clebourne in 
command on the extreme right, moved toxvards the left when he heard the heavy firing 
in that direction. He reached the right of Anderson's division just in time to find it had 
neaily all fallen back, commencing on its left, where the enemy had first crowned the 
ridge. By a prompt and judicious movement he threw a portion of Cheatham's division 
directly across the ridge facing the enemy, who was now moving a strong force im- 



so BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 

mcdiatclv on his left flank. By a decided stand here the enemy was entirely checked, 
and thatportion of our force to the ri<(iit remained intact. 

All to the left, however, exiejit a portion of Bate's division, was entirely routed and 
in rajiid tli}.(lit, nearly all the artillery having been shamefully abandoned by its infantry 
support. Every effort which could be made by myself and staff and by many other 
mounted otTicers availed but little. A panic which I had never before witnessed seemed 
to have seized upon oflkers and men, and each seemed to be struggling for his personal 
safetv, regardless of his dutv or his character. In this distressing and alarming state of 
affairs (ieneral Bate was ordered to hold his position, covering the road for the retreat of 
Breckinridge's command, and orders were immediately sent to Generals Hardee and 
Breckinridge to retire their forces upon the depot at Chickamauga. 

Fortunatelv it was now near nightfall and the country and roads in our rear were 
fully known to us, but equally unknown to the enemy. The routed left made its way 
back in great disorder, effectually covered, however, by Bate's small command, which 
had a sharp conflict with the enemy's advance, driving it back. After night all being^ 
quiet. Bate retired in good order, the enemy attempting no pursuit. 

Lieutcnant-Cieneral Hardee's command, under his judicious management, retired in 
good order and unmolested. 

As soon as all troops had crossed, the bridges over the Chickamauga were destroyed 
to impede the enemy, though the stream was fordable at several places. 

No satisfactory excuse can possibly be given for the shameful conduct of our troops 
on the left in allowing their line to be penetrated. The position was one which ought 
to have been held by a line of skirmishers against an assaulting column, and wherever 
resistance was made the enemy fled in disorder after suffering heavy loss. Those who- 
reached the ridge did so in a condition of exhaustion from the great physical exertion ia 
climbing, which rendered theni powerless, and the slightest effort would have destroyed 
them. Having secured much of our artillery, they soon availed theinselvesof our panic, 
and turning our guns upon us enfiladed the lines, both right and left, rendering them 
entirely imtenable. 

Had all parts of the lines been maintained with equal gallantry and persistence no- 
. enemy could have ever dislodged us, and but one possible reason presents itself to my 
mind in explanation of this bad conduct in veteran troops w'ho had never before failed in 
any duty assigned them, however ditficult and hazardous: They had for two days con- 
fronted the enemy, marshalling his immense forces in plain view, and exhibiting to their 
sight such a superiority in numbers as may have intimidated weak-minded and untried 
soldiers. But our veterans had so often encountered similar hosts when the strength of 
position was against us, and with perfect success, that no doubt crossed my mind. As- 
yet I am not fully informed as to the commands which first fled and brought this great 
disaster and disgrace upon our arms. Investigation will bring out the truth, however, 
and full justice shall be done to the good and the bad. 

After arri\ing at Chickamaugua and informing myself of the full condition of affairs, 
it was decided to put the army in motion for a point further removed from a powerfid 
and victorious armv, that we might ha\e some little time to replenish and recuperate for 
another struggle. The enemy made pm-suit as far as Ringgold, but was so handsomely 
cheTcked by Major-General ClebiuMie and Brigadier-General Gist, in command of their 
respective divisions, that he gave us but little annoyance. 

Lieutenant-General Hardee, as usual, is entitled to my warmest thanks and liigh 
comTiiendation for his gallant and judicious conduct during the whole of the trying 
scenes through which we passed. 

Major-General Cleburne, whose cotnmand defeated the enemy in every assault on 
the 25th, and who eventually charged and routed him on that day, capturing several 
stands of colors and several hundred prisoners, and who afterwards brought up our rear 
with great success, again charging and routing the pursuing column at Ringgold on the 
27th, is commended to the special notice of the government. 

Brigadier-Cjeneral Gist and Bate, commanding divisions; Gumming, Walthall, and 
Polk, commanding lirigades, were distinguished for coolness, gallantry, and successful 
conduct throughout the engagements and in the rearguard on the retreat. 

To my staff personal and general, my thanks are specially due for their gallant and 
zealous efforts under fire to rally the broken troops and restore order, and for their 
laborious services in conducting successfully the many and arduous duties of the retreat. 

Our losses are not yet ascertained, but in killed and wounded it is known to have 
been very small. In prisoners and stragglers I fear it is much larger. The chief of 
artillery reports the loss of 40 pieces. 

I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

BRAXTON BRAGG, General, Comdg. 
General S. Cooper, Adjt. and Insp.-Gcn. C. S. Army, Richmond. 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



21 



Return of Casualities in the Confederate Forces. 

Headquarters Army of Tennessee. 

Dalfoii, Ga., December 26^ i86j. 
General: In the report of the casualities of the army in the engagements before 
Chattanooga and Ringgold Gap previously forwarded from these headquarters, an error 
occurs in the losses of Hindman's division. This error was made at Corps Headquarters, 
and was not discovered until my attention was called to it by Brigadier-General (J. P.) 
Anderson, commanding division. 

Inclosed I have the honor to transmit a correct report, which I request maybe sub- 
stituted for the one now on file in the Department. 

I am, General, verv respectfullv, your obedient servant. 
General S. Cooper, "^ - ^y j HARDEE, 

Adji. and Insf.-Gen^. Richmond. Licuietiant-Gejieral. 

[Inclosure.] 
Report of Casualities (Bragg\ command) in the late Engagements before Chattanooga and 

at Ringgold Gap. 



Command. 



HARDEE S CORPS. 

Cheatham's Division. . . 
Cleburne's Division... 
* Stevenson's Division . 
Walker's Division 



Total 

hixdman's corps. 

Hindman's Division.... 
* Stewart's Division .... 
Breckinridge's Division. 



Total 

RESERVE ARTILLERY. 



Robertson's Battalion. 
"Williams' Battalion. . . 



Total 

RECAPITULATION. 



Hardee's Corps. . . . 
Hindman's Corps. . 
R£serve Artillery. 

Grand total. 



Infantry. 



fc^i 



161 



161 

184 



345 



371 
351 

282 
114 



1,237 
12 

14 
167 



1,430 



1,664 
419 
332 
294 



2,709 



463' 1,0881 1,620 
310 960, 1,341 

2i8| 5811 833 



981 2,629 3,794 



1,118 1,430 
981 2,629 



2,709 
3,794 



2,099 4,059 6,503 



Artill 
ery. 



■a 
■o be 

c I.S 

5 ^ i 



16 



16 

4^23 



30 



1336 

6 5 

16 10 



35 



61 



87 



28 



57 



94 



13 



164 



Total. 



168 



192 



168 
192 



371 
367 
282 
118 



1,138 



476 
316 

244 



1,036 



1,138 

1,036 

6 



361' 2,180 



1,244 
12 

H 
190 



1,460 



1,124 
965 
591 



2,680 



1,671 
441 
332 
322 



2,766 



1,676 

i,3.';3 

859 



3,888 



1,460 2,766 

2,68o| 3,888 

6| 13 

4,146 6,667 



* See detailed report. 



W. J. \\h.^V>Y.Y:,Lieutenant-General. 



There is discrepancy in the report of Lieutenant-General Hardee. 

General Grant's article on Chattanooga in The Century Magazine states that " In this 
battle the Union Army numbered in round figures about sixty thousand men ; we lost a 
little over seven hundred killed, and four thousand eight hundred and fifty wounded and 
missing. The rebel loss was much greater in the aggregate, as we captured and sent 
North to be rationed there over six thousand one hundred prisonei's. Forty pieces of 



22 



BATTLES OF CH ATTAN( )()(;. \. 



arlilkTv, over seven tlidiisaiicl stand of small arms, and many caissons, artillery wagons, 
and baggage wagons fell into our hanils. The probabilities are that our loss in killed was 
the heavier, as we were the attacking party. The enemy reported his loss in killed at 
three Innidred and sixtv-one; but as he reported his missing at foiu" thousand one-hun- 
dred and fortv-six, while we held over six thousand of them as prisoners, and there must 
have been hundreds, if not thousands, who deserted, but little reliance can be placed in 
this repoit." 

The ollicial report of Sle\enson's and Stewart's divisions, for the 24th and jqth of 
November, are as follows: 

Ritiirn of CcisiitilHits in Strt'CHSon^s Division, H<irdcr\<; Corps, Novciiihrr 24 and ^5, 

i86j, (incomplete?) 





Killed. 


Wounded. 


Missing. 




Command. 


U3 

U 

u 




c 


'5 



u 

V 

u 




c 

(U 



H 


u 



5 


I 


t 

< 


Brown's brigade: 
3d Tennessee 












3 
I 

I 
16 
II 

3 






12 


15 

I 


i8th Tennessee 
















26th Tennessee 


















I 


32d Tennessee 


I 




I 
I 


3 

I 


13 
10 




I 


I 


18 


j.;;th Tennessee 


12 


23d Tennessee Battalion 




.... 








3 




















Total 






2 
4 






35 

30 
39 
41 
46 




- 


13 


50 

34 

43 

52 
74 


Cumming's brigade: 
34th Georgia 














36th Georgia 














4 

2 

24 


39th Georgia 






9 
4 










q6th Georgia 




























Total 






17 

9 

2 

4 

2 






156 

39 
16 

17 
16 

5 






30 
10 


203 

58 
iH 


Pettus' brigade: 
20th Alabama 














23d Alabama 










30th Alabama 












21 


31st .Alabama 




.... 










5 
2 


23 

7 


46th Alabama 


























Total 






17 
orte 






93 






17 


127 


Reynold's brigade : 
qSth North Carolina 


Not 


Rep 


d. 








60th North Carolina 























c;4th \irginia 


















■ ■ ■■' 


63d Virginia 

















! 





















Total 












1 


Artillerv battalion 












































Grand total 


380 



















BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



23 



Return of Casualities in Stewart's Division, November 23d to 25th. 
(Compiled from reports.) 





Killed. 


Wounded- 


Missing. 




Command. 





c" 


u 





c 







bo 

<u 

SB 
bX3 


Adams' brigade: 

Stovall's brigade: 
40th Georofia 


4 


24 

5 


7 


89 

IS 
9 

7 


9 

I 


224 
16 

7 
10 

2 
10 


357 


41st Georgia 






42d Georgia 






I 




4'^d Georgia 








52d Georgia 










I 
















Total 




5 

4 
9 

S 


I 

2 
2 


31 

48 
16 
32 


2 

4 
4 
6 

13 


45 

153 
116 
209 

20I 


84 


Clayton's brigade : 
iSth Alabama 




36th Alabaina 






32d and i^8th Alabama 






38th Alabama ! 


















Total 




21 

3 
4 
2 
I 
3 


4 

4 
3 

2 


96 

30 
20 
II 

5 
14 

2 


27 

I 

4 

I 


679 

24 

34 
18 

45 

4 

19 


827 


Strahl's brigade : 
4th Tennessee 


I 












24th Tennessee 


2 






















Total 


3 


13 


11 


82 


v-^ 


144 


259 












I 




I 


2 












Grand total 


7 


63 


23 


299 


44 


1,093 


1,529 





These do not include the subsequent engagements mentioned in the report of the 
General commanding the army. The footing is different from that of Gen. Hardee's report. 

OFFICIAL REPORT OF MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE H. THOMAS. 

Headquarters Army of the Cumberland. 
Chattanooga, Tenn., December 7, 1863. 
Owing to a heavy rain storm commencing on Friday, 20th instant, and lasting all 
the 2ist, General Sherman was not able to get his troops in position in time to com- 
mence operatiotis on Sunday morning as he expected. Learning that the enemy had 
discovered Sherman's movements across Lookout valley, it was thought best that Gen- 
eral Howard should cross over into Chattanooga, thus attracting the attention of the 
enemy, with the intention of leading him to suppose that the troops he had observed 
inoving were re-enforcing Chattanooga, and thereby concealing the real movements of 
Sherman. Accordingly, Howard's corps was crossed into Chattanooga on Sunday and 
took vip a position in full view of the enemy. In consequence of the bad condition of 
the roads. General Sherman's troops were occupied all of Sunday in getting into position. 
In the mean time the river ha\ing risen, both pontoon bridges were broken by rafts sent 



24 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 

down the river by the encmv, cuttint; off Ostorhaus's division from the balance of Sher- 
man's troops. It was thoui^ht that tiiis would delay us another day, but durinj^ the night 
of tlie 22l\ two deserters reported Hra^"^ had fallen back, and that there was only a strong 
picket line in our front. Early on the morning of the 23d I received a note from the 
nijijor-general commanding, directing me to ascertain by a demonstration the truth or 
falsitv of this report. Orders were accordingly given to General Granger, commanding 
the 4th corps, to form his troops and to advance directly in front of P'ort Wood, and thus 
develop the strength of the enemy. General Palmer commanding 14th corps, was 
ilirected to support General Granger's right, with Baird's division refused in echelon. 
Johnston's division to be held in readiness, under arms, in the intrenchments, to re-en- 
force an v point. Howard's corps was formed en masse behind the centre of Granger's 
corps. The two divisions of Granger's corps, .Sheridan's and Wood's, were formed in 
front of Fort Wood, Sheridan on the right, Wood on the left, and his Itft extending 
nearlv to Citico creek. The formation being completed, about 2 p. m the troops were 
■advanced steadily and with rapidity directly to the front, dri\ing before them first the 
rebel pickets, then their reserves, and falling upon their grand guards stationed in their 
first line of rifle-pits, capturing something over two hundred men, and secured them- 
selves in their new position before the enemy had sufficiently recovered from his surprise 
to attempt to send re-enforceinents from his main camp. Orders were then given to 
General Granger to make his position secure by constructing temporary breastworks 
and tlirowing out strong pickets to his front. 

Howard's corps was moved up on his left flank with the same instructions and 
Bridge's Illinois battery w-as placed in position on Orchard Knob; the troops remained 
in that position for the night. The Tennessee river having risen considerably from the 
effect of the previous heavy rain storm, it was found difficult to rebuild the pontoon 
bridge at Brown's ferry. Therefore it was determined that General Hooker should take 
Osterhaus's division, which was still in Lookout valley, Gearv's division 12th corps, and 
Whittaker's and Grose's brigade, of the first division 4th corps, under Brigadier General 
Cruft, and make a strong demonstration on the northern slope of Lookout mountain, 
for the purpose of attracting the enemy's attention in that direction, and thus withdraw- 
ing him from Sherman, whilst crossing the Tennessee at the mouth of the south Chick- 
amauga. General Hooker was instructed that in making this demonstration, if he dis- 
covered the position and strength of the enemy would justify him in attempting to carry 
the point of the mountain, to do so. 

By four p. m., on the evening of the 24th, General Hooker reported his troops in 
position and ready to advance. Finding Lookout creek so much swollen as to be im- 
passable, he sent Geary's division 4th corps to cross the creek at W^auhatchie and work 
down on the right bank, whilst he employed the remainder of his force in constructing 
temporary bridges across the creek on the main road. The enemy being attracted by 
the force on the load, did not observe the movements of Geary until his column was 
directly on his left and threatened his rear. Hooker's movements were facilitated by the 
heavy mist which overhung the mountain, enabling Geary to get into position without 
attracting attention. Finding himself vigorously pursued by a strong column on his left 
and rear, the enemy began to fall back with rapidity, but his resistance was obstinate and 
the entire point of the mountain was not gained until about two p. m., when General 
Hooker reported by signal and telegraph that he had carried the mountain as far as the 
road from Chattanooga valley to the White House. Soon after his main column com- 
ing up, his line was extended to the foot of the mountain near the mouth of Chattanooga 
creek. His right being still strongly resisted by the enemy, was re-enforced by Carlin's 
brigade, first division 14th corps, which arrived at the White House about five p. m., in 
time to take part in the contest still going on at that point. Continuous and heavy 
skirmishing was kept up in Hooker's front until ten at night, when there was an unusual 
quietness along our whole front. 

With the aid of the steamer Dunbar, which had been put in condition and sent up 
the river at daylight of the 24th, General Sherman by eleven a. m. had crossed three 
divisions of the 15th corps and was ready to advance as soon as Davis's division 14th 
corps commenced crossing. Colonel Long, commanding second brigade, second division 
cavalry, was then directed to move up at once, follow Sherman's advance closely and 
proceed to carry out his instructions of the day before, if not required by General Sher- 
man to support his left flank. Howard's corps moved to the left about nine a. m., and 
communicated with Sherman's troops about noon. Instructions were sent to General 
Hooker to be ready to advance on the morning of the 25th from his position on the point 
of Lookout mountain, to the .Summertown road, and endeavor to intercept the enemy's 
retreat, if he had not alread\- withdrawn, which he was to ascertain by pushing a recon- 
noissance to the top of the mountain 

The reconnoisance was made as directed, and having discovered that the enemy had 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



evacuated during the night, General Hooker was then directed to move on the Rossville 
road with the troops under his command against Rossville, carry that pass and operate 
upon the left and rear of the enemy's position on Missionary ridge. Palmer's and Granger's 
troops were held in readiness to advance directly on the ritie pits in their front as soon 
as Hooker could get into position at Rossville. In retiring on the night of the 24th, the 
enemy had destroyed the bridges over Chattanooga creek, on the road leading from 
Lookout mountain to Rossville, and, in consequence. General Hooker was delayed until 
after two o'clock p. m., in effecting the crossing of Chattanooga creek. About noon 
General Sherman becoming heavily engaged with the enemy, rhey having massed a 
strong force in his front, orders were given for General Baird to march his division 
within supporting distance of General Sherman ; moving his command promptly in the 
direction indicated, he was placed in position to the left of Wood's division of Granger's 
corps. Owing to the difficulties of the ground, his troops did not get in line with 
Granger's until about half past two p. m. ; orders were then given him to move forward 
on Granger's left, and within supporting distance, against the enemy's rifle pits on the 
slope and at the foot of Missionary ridge. The whole line then advanced against the 
breastworks and soon became warmly engaged with the enemy's skirmishers. These 
giving way retired vipon their reserves, posted within their works, our troops advancing 
steadily in a continuous line. The enemy seized with panic, abandoned the works at the 
foot of the hill and retreated precipitately to the crest, where they were closely followed 
by our troops, who apparently inspired by the impulse of victory, carried the hill simul- 
taneously at six different points, and so closely upon the heels of the enemy that many 
of them were taken prisoners in the trenches. 

We captured all their cannon and ammunition before they could be removed or de- 
stroyed. After halting for a few moments to reorganize the troops, who had become 
somewhat scattered in the assault of the hill, General Sheridan pushed forward in pur- 
suit, and drove those in his from who escaped capture across Chickamauga creek. Gen- 
erals Wood and Baird being obstinately resisted by re-enforcements from the enemy's 
extreme right, continued fighting until darkness set in, slowly but steadily driving the 
enemy before them. 

In moving upon Rossville, General Hooker encountered Stuart's division and other 
troops. Finding his left flank threatened, Stuart attempted to escape, by retreating 
towards Graysville, but some of his forces, finding their retreat from that quarter threat- 
ened, retired in disorder towards their right along the crest of the ridge, where they were 
met by another portion of General Hooker's coinmand, and were driven by these troops 
in the face of Johnson's division of Palmer's corps, by whom they were nearly all made 
prisoners. 

On the 26th the enemy were pursued by Hooker and Johnston's division of Palm- 
er's corps, surprising a portion of their rear guard near Graysville after nightfall, 
capturing three (3) pieces of artillery and several hundred prisoners. General Granger's 
command returned to Chattanooga with instructions to prepare and hold themselves in 
readiness for orders to re-enforce General Burnside at Knoxville. 

The pursuit was continued on the 27th, capturing an additional piece of artillery at 
Graysville. Hooker's advance encountered the enemy posted in the pass through 
Taylor's ridge at Ringgold, who, after obstinate resistance of an hour, were driven from 
Ihe pass, with considerable loss in killed, wounded and prisoners. Our loss was also 
heavy. A lar^e quantity of forage and some additional caissons and ammunition were 
captured at Ringgold. 

Colonel Long returned to Chattanooga from his expedition and reported verbally 
that on the 24th he reached Tyner's station, destroying the enemy's forage and rations at 
that place; also some cars, doing considerable injury to the railroad. He then proceeded 
to Oottowah, where he captured and destroyed some wagons loaded with forage ; from 
thence he proceeded to Cleveland, remaining there one day, destroyed their copper-rolling 
mill and a large depot of commissary and ordnance stores. Being informed that a train 
of the enemy's wagons was near Charlestown on the Hiawassee, and was probably unable 
to cross the river on account of the break in their pontoon bridge, after a few hours rest, 
he pushed forward V ith a hope of being able to destroy them, but found on reaching 
Charleston that the enemy had repaired their bridge ahd had crossed their train safely, 
and were prepared to defend the crossing with one or two pieces of artillery, supported 
by an infantry force, on the northern bank. He then returned to Cleveland and damaged 
the railroad for five or six miles in the direction of Dalton, and then returned to Chat- 
tanooga. 

On the 28th General Hooker was ordered by General Grant to remain at Ringgold 
until the 30th, and so employ his troops as to cover the movements of General Sherman, 
who had received orders to march his force to the relief of Burnside, by the way of 



IJAITLKS OF CHATTANOOGA. 



Cleveland and Loudon. Palmer's corps was detached from the force under General 
Hooker and returned to Chattanoojja. 

It will be perceived from the fore>,'(>inii report that the orijfinal plan of operations 
was somewhat modified, to meet and take the best advantage of emergencies, which 
necessitated material modilications of that plan. It is believed, however, that the 
original plan, had it been carried out, could not possibly have led to more successful re- 
sults. Tiie alacritv and intelligence disjilayed bv olHcers in executing their orders, the 
enthusiasm and spirit displaved bv the men who did the work, cannot be too highly ap- 
preciated bv the nation, for the defence of which they have on so many other memorable 
occasions nobly and ]>atriotically exposed their lives in battle. 

IIoward's"(ii) corps having joined Sherman on the 24th, his operations from that 
date will be included in Sherman's report. Also those of Brigadier General J. C. Davis, 
second division 14th corps, who reported to .Sherman for duty on the 2ist. 
I am General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

GEORGE H. THOMAS, 
Major-Gcncral U. S. V. Commanding. 
Brigadier-General L. Thomas, 

Adjutant-General U. S. A., Washington, D. C. 
True copy: ' S. C. KELLOGG, 

Brevet-Major and Aide-dc-Camp. 

Headquarters Chief of Artillery, D. C, 
Chattanooga, Tenn., Deceinber 5, 1863. 

General : I have the honor to submit, for the information of the major-general com- 
manding the departinent, the following report of the operations of the artillery in my 
charge during the recent battle of Chattanooga, November 23, 24, and 25 : 

With considerable difficulty owing to the deficiency in transportation, I succeeded 
in getting sixteen (16) pieces of heavy ordnance into position on the line of works, in 
addition to the two (2) 30-pounder Parrotts already in Fort Wood, by the 22d Novem- 
ber — four (4) 4>4-inch Rodman guns, with the two (2) 30-pounder Parrotts, being in F'ort 
Wood on the extreme left; four (4) 20-pounder Parrotts in P'ort Cheatham, and four (4) 
4^ -inch Rodman guns in Battery Rousseau, 0:1 the centre, and four (4) 20-pounder 
Parrotts in Fort Sheridan, on the right. 

These forts occupied prominent positions on the line, the guns commanding the rebel 
intrenchments at the foot of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain, and sweeping the 
level ground in their front. In addition to the heavy guns on the line of intrenchments, 
by the night of the 23d I had two (2) 20 pounder Parrotts on Moccasin Point, a point on 
the north side of the river, commanding the approach to Lookout Mountain on its most 
northern extremity ; three (3) guns, with the tenth Indiana battery and the eighteenth 
Ohio battery, under Captain W. A. Naylor, (tenth Indiana battery,) subsequently did 
good service during Hooker's assault on Lookout Mountain, rendering it impracticable 
for the rebels to concentrate on the north side of the mountain to resist his attack. 

The tenth Indiana and eighteenth Ohio batteries had previously been stationed on 
tlijs point for some weeks, and had succeeded in cutting off, in a great measure, the 
enemy's communication with Lookout Mountain by the northern route. I had also 
seven (7) field batteries on the line, viz: C and M, first regiment Illinois volunteer artill- 
erv ; M, first regiment Missouri artillery; F and G, first Ohio volunteer artillery; sixth 
Ohio and seventh Indiana batteries, so arranged at the defensible points as to insure a 
safe retreat should the attacking line be repulsed. 

On the night of the 23d I had the following batteries placed in position on the north 
side of the river at four (4) several points, to cover the crossing of General Sherman's 
command and prevent a force moving to oppose him until he had taken up position and 
established connections with our left, viz: Company C, first regiment Ohio vohmteer. 
artillery. Captain (iary ; company B, first regiment Ohio vohmteer artillerv. Lieu- 
tenant Baldwin; company B, first regiment Ilinois volunteer artillerv, Captain 
Riunsey; company F, first regiment Illinois volunteer artillery. Captain Cheeney; 
company II, first regiment Illinois volunteer artiller\-, Lieutenant De Grass; 
com]>any I, fh"st regiment Illinois volunteer artillery. Lieutenant Burton; twentv-sixth 
Pennsylvania battery. Lieutenant McDowell; thirteenth New Lock batterv, Captain 
Wheeler; twelfth Wisconsin battery, Captain Zackerick ; Casswell's Illinois battery. 
Captain Casswell. These batteries were under the directions of Colonel James Barnett, 
first regiment Ohio volunteer artillery, commanding first division artillerv reserve, and 
Colonel Taylor, chief of artillery of General Sherman's command, and from their com- 
manding positions were well calculated to effect the purpose for which they were 
intended. 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



Even'thing could have been in position by the morning of the 20th, but the contem- 
plated attack having been postponed, it was unnecessary to make a final disposition of 
the guns until the night of the 22d. 

At about 1 2m. on the 23d instant I opened with the heavy guns from all points of 
the line on the rebel positions at the foot of Missionary' Ridge and the east side of Look- 
out Mountain with some effect, in many instances driving the enemy from their camps 
and line of works. At 3 p. m. on the 'following day I ordered a section of lo-pound 
Parrotts to be placed at the " Tannery," commanding the valley road and Chattanooga 
Creek, where it subsequently did good service. 

About I p. m. on the 23d, the infantry advanced under cover of the guns and car- 
ried the rebel rifle-pits situated about one and a half miles to our front. Such batteries 
as could be mounted were immediately thrown out on " Orchard Knoll," " Brush Knob," 
and such other elevations as the country afforded. 

With the assistance of General Sherman, who furnished me with horses for three 
(3) batteries, (the battery horses of the D. C. having either died or become so emaciated 
from starvation as to render but few of them fit for service,) I had succeeded in mount- 
ing seven (7) batteries; four (4,) however, were only brought into action. These did ex- 
cellent service during the attack of the 25th instant, as, being in easy range of the rebel 
intrenchments, they did considerable execution, and aided materially in forcing the 
enemy to abandon the works. 

On the 24th Sherman crossed the river and formed a junction with Howard near 
Citico Creek, the batteries on the north side of the river effectually preventing any 
masses of troops intercepting them. It was, however, found too hazardous to endeavor 
to enfilade the rebel line from these batteries, as was at first purposed, our troops being 
in such close proximity. 

During the 24th and the morning of the 25th the guns of Forts Wood and Cheat- 
ham opened on all bodies of troops observed to be concentrating or inoving on Mission- 
ary Ridge, distance 2>^ miles, soTnetimes with good effect. At about 2:30 p. m., on the 
25th instant, the line made the advance that ultimately resulted in carrying the enemy's 
position ; the guns from the intrenchments continued to play on the rebel lines at the foot 
of the ridge until the proximity of our troops rendered such fire dangerous, when they 
turned their attention to the crest of Missionary Ridge, and made some excellent practice 
on the rebel troops inoving on that position. 

This engagement has proved beyond doubt the utter worthlessness of the projectile 
known as the Rodman projectile, furnished the 4^2 -inch Rodman guns, and unless other 
and better projectiles be obtained I consider that these guns will be little better than 
useless. 

There is a radical defect in the fuze of the shells furnished this department, which I 
believe to originate in the irregularity of their composition, rendering the explosion of 
the shell at the calculated time very uncertain. I have also remarked that the partitions 
in the fuzes are very thin, and liable to burst, then causing the explosion of the shell in 
a shorter period than the time for which the fuze was cut. \ 

In fact the entire practice with shell was very unsatisfactory, the shells either explod- 
ing too soon or not at all. 

The following guns, carriages, caissons, limbers, and ammunition were captured 
from the rebels during the engagement of the 24th and 25tli, and subsequent pursuit of 
the enemy: 

By General Davis's division at Chickamauga Station 2 24-pr. guns 

By General Geary's division on Lookout Mountain 2 field pieces 

By General Osterhaus's division on Missionary Ridge i " " 

By General Wood's division on Missionary Ridge 12 " " 

By General Sheridan's division on Missionary Ridge 6 " " 

By General Johnston's division at Graysville 4 " " 

By General Baird's division on Missionary Ridge i " " 

Claimed by Generals Baird and Wood 6 " " 

Claimed by Generals Wood and Sheridan 6 " " 

Total, (2 heavy guns, and 38 field pieces) 40 

19 carriages for light 12-pounder guns. 
4 carriages for lo-pounder Parrotts. 
8 carriages for 6-pounder guns. 
I carriage for 3-inch gun. 
3 carriages for 6-pounder Jaines' 3-80 bore. 
3 carriages for 12-pounder howitzers. 



38 carriages. 



28 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



17 caissons for liijht 12-pounder {juns. 
3 caissons for lo-poundcr Parrott's 
3 caissons for 12-pounder liowitzers. 
3 caissons for 6-pounder guns. 

1 caisson for 3-inch f^un. 

2 caisson for 3-80 James' rifle. 

29 caissons. 



13 limbers for Wght 12-poundcr guns. 
4 limbers for 10-pounder Parrotts. 
7 limbers for 6-pounder guns. 
I limber for 3-inch gun. 

25 limbers. 

A good many parts of harness were also captured, but no complete sets. 
805 rounds ammunition for 12-pounder guns. 
283 rounds ammunition for 12-pounder howitzers. 
332 rounds ammvmition for 6-poiuider gun. 
2i6 rounds ammunition for lo-pounder Parrott. 

57 rounds ammunition for 3-inch gun. 
151 rounds ammunition for 3-80 James rifle. 



1,844 rounds. 



This is all that has come in up to the present time. 

I am indebted to Major J. Mendenhall, assistant chief of artillery, for valuable 
assistance previous to and during the three days battle. 

J. M. BRANNAN, 
Major-General and Chief of Artillery, D. C. 
Brigadier-General Wm. D. Whipple, 

Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Cumberland. 



Report of Major-General Gordon Granger. 

COMMANDING 4th ARMY CORPS. 



Headquarters 4th Army Corps, 

Loudon, East Tenn., February 11, 1864, 

General: I have the honor to forward to the major-general commanding the de- 
partment of the Cumberland, the following report of the operations of the 4th army 
corps in the recent battles of Chattanooga. For particular and detailed accounts of the 
facts mentioned therein I refer to the official reports of division, brigade and regimental 
commanders, herewith forwarded. 

On the 1 8th of November last I received instructions from Major-General Thomas 
directing me to hold the two divisions of my command, then at Chattanooga, in readi- 
ness to join in an attack about to be made upon the enemy in our front. In this attack I 
was to co-operate directly with Major-General Slierman after he had crossed his com- 
mand from the north bank of the Tennessee river, immediately below the mouth of 
Chickamauga creek, and had reached the north end of Mission ridge. This attack was 
ordered to be made at daylight on the morning of November 21. I was, therefore, 
directed to bridge Citico creek, a deep, narrow stream that would separate my command 
from the position that was to be occupied by Major-General Sherman, working under 
cover of darkness on the night of the 20th, and to cross it with my two divisions before 
daylight the next morning, moving toward the nortli end of Missionaiv ridge, and 
marching so as to ;u-ri\e at tiiat jioint simultaneously with Major-General Sherman. 

It was designed that after having effected a juncture with these troops I should change 
the direction of my column, and move along the north-western side and base of Mission- 
ary ridge, taking the enemy in front and flank. 

This contemplated attack, however, was not made on the morning of the 21st, the 
orders having been coimtermanded on the 20th, when it was found that Major-General 
Sherman's column, which had been much delayed on the march from Bridgeport, Ala- 
bama, by the heavy rains and the bad roads, could not get up in time for it. 

On the night of November 12, acting under orders similar to those above mention- 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 29 



ed, I bridged Citico creek and placed my command in readiness to cross it, but did noth- 
ing further, as I received a note, after dark, from department headquarters informing me 
that as an accident liad happened to the bridge at Brown's ferry, Major-General Sher- 
man would be there detained, and that consequently immediate action was to be sus- 
pended. The disposition of the troops of this corps on the morning of November 23M'as 
follows: The second division, under Major-General Sheridan, and third division, under 
Brigadier-General Thomas J. Wood, were camped within our advanced line of rifle 
pits in front of Chattanooga. The right of Major-General Sheridan's division resting 
on the Rossville road, and the left joming General Wood's right, while the left of Gen- 
eral Wood's di\'ision rested on the right bank of the Tennessee river, northeast of the 
town. The first brigade of the first division was at Bridgeport, Alabama, and the second 
and third brigades of the same division, the second commanded by Brigadier-General 
Whitaker, and the third commanded by Colonel Grose, and both under the temporary 
command of Brigadier-General Cruft, were marching from Shellmound and Whiteside 
en route to join Major-General Hooker's command, on the south side of the Tennessee 
river, near Brown's ferrv. 

On the night of November 22 there were movements in the enemy's camp indicating 
that he was advised of our intentions, which, by reason of delavs and accidents, had be- 
come somewhat apparent, and that he was either withdrawing or concentrating his 
forces. His front, however, remained unchanged. At eleven o'clock on the morning of 
the next day, November 23, I received a dispatch, of which the following is a copy: 

" Headquarters Department of the Cumberland, 

" Chattanooga, Tenn., November 23, 1863. 
" The general commanding department directs that you throw one division of the 
4th corps forward in the direction of Orchard Knob (and hold a second division in sup- 
porting distance) to discover the position of the enemy, if he still remain in the vicinity 
of his old camp. Howard's and Baird's commands will be ready to co-operate if needed. 

"J. J. REYNOLDS, 
" Major-General Granger, " Major General and Chief of Staff. 

" Commanding 4th Army Corps. 

Orchard Knob is a rugged hill, rising one hundred feet above the Chattanooga val- 
ley, lying between Fort Wood, a work on our exterior line of defence, northeast of Chatt- 
anooga and Missionary Ridge, being distant from the former point one mile and a quarter, 
and about one mile from the ridge. The ascent of the knob is very steep, save on the 
side to the right looking south, where the ground gradually sloping from the summit 
makes a dip or gorge, and rises on the other side to nearly the same height as the knob. 
From this point running off in a south-western direction for over one-half of a mile, 
turning to the right is a rough rocky ridge, which is covered with a sparse growth of 
timber. y 

Along the crest of this ridge the enemy had made breastworks of logs and stone, 
and a line of rifle-pits. Along the base of Orchard Knob, on the side towards Chatt- 
anooga, was another line of rifle-pits which extended beyond the knob on our left, for 
more than a mile, following the curvature of Citico creek ; and yet, to the left of its 
termination, and on the other side of the creek, ran two additional and parallel lines. A 
heavy belt of timber, ranging from one-quarter to three-quarters of a mile in width, lay 
between our lines and Orchard Knob, covering the front of the knob and the line of the 
ridge, and serving the enemy as a mask for his position and movements. Between this 
timber and Chattanooga were open fields, some of which, being low and swampy, were 
difficult to cross with troops. Through them runs the Atlantic and Western railroad, 
which, as it approaches the river, bends towards the north end of Missionary ridge, where 
it passes through the tunnel. 

The foregoing is a brief sketch of the ground and points over which and in the 
direction of which I was ordered to make a reconnoissance. It would be necessary to 
give a more complete description of such, to fully explain the movements of my troops 
that were made in obedience to this order. As such cannot be given in this brief report, 
I will forward a map of the topography of the country, to be attached hereto, and for 
reference, as soon as it can be procured. 

In order to carry out the instructions of Major-General Thomas, I directed Briga- 
dier-General Wood, commanding the third division, to prepare for an advance by form- 
ing his troops in an open field at the base of the slope of Fort Wood, and without the 
lines of our rifle-pits; and at the same time I directed Major-General Sheridan, com- 
manding the second division, to hold the troops within supporting distance on the right 
of General Wood, posting him along the line of the Atlantic and Western railroad, with 
his right resting opposite Lunette Palmer. The positions indicated w^ere promptly taken 



30 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 

bv tliosc two divisions at noonday, with no attempts at concealment or surprise, and in 
plain \ie\v of the enemy, who watched them from Missionary ridge and Orchard Knob. 
The troops mo\ ed into line and position with such regularity and precision as to present 
the aj^pearance of a formation for review or parade, and the enemy's pickets, but a few 
huiuired feel off, were apparently awaiting a display or military pageant, when our 
skirmish line advanced and opened fire. 

At half past one o'clock p. m. I directed General Wood to advance. In a few mo- 
ments his troops having jiassed through the open fields engaged the enemv in the woods, 
and drove them back to their ritle-pits. The resistance here met with, especially in front 
of llazen's brigade, where we sustained the heaviest loss, was very stubborn, and the 
enemy was only driven back when his works were cleared by the bayonet. In this dash, 
which was quick and gallant, we lost one hundred and twenty-five olRcers and men, 
killed and woinuled, and by it we gained Orchard Knob and the ridge to its right, at the 
same time captin"ing man\- prisoners. The twenty-third Alabama infantry, almost en- 
tire, with the regimental colors, was captured. 

As soon as General Wood had occupied the knob and ridge, I directed Major-Gen- 
cral Sheridan to advance his division, and it was placed in position in echelon t)n the 
right of Cjeneral Wood, the two divisions forming a continuous line of battle resting on 
the rising ground lying almost parallel with Missionary Ridge, and sweeping on the ex- 
treme right aroimd towards our chain of defensive works at Chattanooga. The recon- 
noissance was a coinplete success. In making it we had not only obtained the desired 
information, but had also successfully attacked the enemy and had driven him from a 
strong and important position. 

Orchard Knob and the ridge to its right looked into the long line of rifle pits at the 
base of Missionary Ridge, which were held by the enemy in force, and they also afforded 
points of observation upon movements that the enemy might make through the valley 
towards the scene of Major-General Sherman's operations. My command now remained 
in position awaiting further orders. I reported our success and the position and con- 
dition of the enemy in our front to Major-General Thomas, commanding the depart- 
ment of the Cumberland, and at 4 o'clock p. m., I received a despatch from him instruct- 
ing me to hold and strengthen my position, and stating that Major-General Howard's 
command was taking position on my left. In accordance with these instructions, a rude 
line of breastworks was thrown up along my front during the evening, and an epaulment 
of a six gun battery was constructed on the knob, in which Bridge's battery of four 
three-inch Rodman guns and two Napoleons was placed before morning. 

Immediately after rccei\ing the above instructions I observed from Orchard Knob, 
Major-General Howard was meeting with such resistance from the enemy in the double 
line of rifle-pits to the left of our position, and on the opposite side of Citico Creek, as to 
prevent him from making any further advance, or from gaining possession of them. I 
therefore ordered Brigadier-General Beatty, commanding third brigade, third division, to 
send two regiments through the woods as quietly as possible to surprise the party of the 
enemy and to attack them in flank. The regiments sent by him for this purpose, the nine- 
teenth Ohio, commanded by Colonel Manderson, and theninth Kentucky infantry, com- 
manded by Colonel Cram, came upon the enemy suddenly, attacked them in flank and 
drove them back towards Missionary Ridge The rifle-pits, however, not having been taken 
possession of by the troops in their front, were occupied by the enemy during the night, 
but they were again cleared in a similar manner by the same two regiments after dav- 
light the next morning, and for some reason unknown to me were not even then occupied 
by the troops of the nth corps. On the 24th day of November the two brigades of the 
first division of this corps, under command of Brigadier-General Cruft, were, with 
Major-General Hooker, engaged in his splendid assault upon Lookout Mountain. Copies 
of the olficial reports of Brigadier-General Cruft and of his brigade and regimental com- 
manders have bt-en forwarded to me. The original reports have been forwarded to' 
Major-General Hooker. To these and to the report of Major-General Hooker I refer 
for a full statement of the conduct of my troops on Lookout Mountain. It may be 
allowed me, however, as their commanding oflicer, to thank them for their conspicuous 
gallantry, for the important service they rendered, and for the hearty support which they 
gave to Major-General Hooker on that memorable day. 

During the njght of November 23, Major-General Sheridan's and Brigadier-General 
Wood's commands were engaged in strengthening their positions. All of the next day 
they remained in line watching the enemy in front and awaiting orders. No movement 
was made by them during the day, and the quiet of this part of our lines was only broken 
by an occasional exchange of shots between Bridge's battery on the Knob and theenemy's 
batteries on Missionary Ridge. At 6 o'clock p. m. I received a despatch, of which the 
following is a copy: 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 'dl 

" Headquarters Department of the Cumberland. 
"General Granger: 

"The general commanding the department directs that you have everything ready 
for an offensive movement earlv to-morro\v morning. 

"J.J.REYNOLDS, 

''C/ne/o/SfaJ'." 

One mile in front of our position and almost parallel with it was Missionarv" Ridge, 
a line or "back bone" of rugged hills running from a point about four miles northeast of 
Chattanooga, where it juts towards the Tennessee River in a southwesterly direction 
until it dips into the valley at Rossville, four miles south of Chattanooga. It is of al- 
most a uniform height along the part mentioned, rising about fi\e hundred feet abovp 
the valley that lies at its base. On the side looking toward Chattanooga it presents a 
bare, rough, and broken surface, marked bv gullies and ravines. This mountain barrier, 
even as nature planted it, was a most formidable fortress. The commander who lield it 
might be warranted in the conclusion that troops could not storm it. But strengthened 
as it was by the enemy, with a line of heavy breastworks running along its base, with 
two additional lines of rifle-pits, one partly girdling it midway up, and the other fringing 
its crest, and with empanelments on the summit for fifty guns, it could well be deemed 
impregnable. Lying between Missionary Ridge and Orchard Knob to the right is a 
broad, wooded valley extending on the right to the southwestern end of the ridge, while 
to the left it extends beyond Orchard Knob, stretching towards the river and Chattan- 
ooga. From the end of the ridge last mentioned this vallev sweeps around into the 
Chattanooga plain; that part of it, though, is almost altogether cleared of timber, leaving 
open ground for the most part between Missionary Ridge and the position held by 
Major-General Sheridan's division. In front of Missionary Ridge the enemy had cleared 
awaj' the timber for a distance of from three to five hundred yards, so as to leave no 
obstructions to a direct and enfilading fire fi'om them. 

During the night of November 24 the enemy withdrew from Lookout Mountain 
and from Chattanooga Valley, and commenced to mass his whole force upon Missionary 
Ridge. At daylight the next morning, November 25, Major-General Sherman, having 
crossed the Tennesse River at the designated point, gained possession of the northern 
end of the ridge near the railroad tunnel. Long columns of the enemy could be seen 
before sunrise moving towards that point, and it was not late in the day before their 
guns, with those of General Sherman briskly replying, were heard opening the battle. 
For hours my command, from behind their breast\vorks, anxiously and impatiently 
watched this struggle of their brothers-in-arms away off to their left on the northern 
end of the ridge. They saw these veterans from Vicksburg coming to their relief and 
engaging the same enem^^ who had beleaguered them for nine long weeks, holding them 
in their defensive Avorks by strong lines of circumvallation that rested upon Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge and in the Chattanooga Valley, and that stretched like 
an iron crescent from the river on their right to the river on the left. As the day wore 
on, their impatience of restraint gathered force, and their desire to advance became al- 
most uncontrollable. At last came the orders to move. 

General Sherman was unaljle to make any progress in moving along the ridge 
during the day, as the enemy had massed in his front; therefore, in order to relieve him 
I was ordered to make a demonstration upon the works of the enemy directly in my 
front, at the base of Missionary Ridge. I accordingly directed Major-General Sheridan 
and Brigadier-General Wood to advance their divisions at a given signal, moving directly 
forward simviltaneously and briskly to attack the enemy, and, driving him from his rifle 
pits, to take possession of them. At twenty minutes before 4 o'clock p. m. six guns, the 
signal agreed upon, were fired in rapid succession, and before the smoke had cleared 
away these two divisions, Sheridan on the right and Wood on the left, had cleared away 
the "breastworks that had sheltered them for two days, and were moving forward. They 
were formed in the following order : first, a double line of skirmishers that covered the 
troops behind , then the line of battle by brigades, commencing on the extreme right 
Avith Colonel Sherman's brigade, then Colonel Harker's, then Brigadier-General Wag- 
ner's, then Brigadier-General Hazen's, then Brigadier-General Willick's, and next, on 
the extreme left, Brigadier-General Beatty's. Following this line were the reserves in 
niass. 

It pleases me to report that scarcely a straggler could be seen as this magnificent 
line, stretching one mile from end to end, swept through the valley up to the assault. 
At the moment of the advance of these troops Missionary Ridge "blazed with the fire 
from the batteries which lined its summit. Not less than fifty guns opened at once, 
throwing a terrible shower of shot and shell. The enemy now taking the alarm. Com- 
menced to move troops from both extremities of the ridge for the purpose of filling up 
the ranks below and around these batteries. In the meantime, the troops holding the 



83 BATTI^KS OF CHATTANOOGA. 



woods were driven back to the works at the base of the ridge, their pursuers rapidly 
following. Here they halted and made a stout resistance, but our troops, by an impet- 
uous assault, broke this line in several places; then, scaling the breastworks at these 
points, opened a tlank and reserve fire upon them, which, throwing thetn into confusion 
caused their precipitate flight. Many prisoners were left in our hands, and we captured 
a large number of small arms. 

Mv orders liad now been fully and successfully carried out, but not enough had 
been done to ^atiNfv the l)ra\e troops who had accomplished so much. Although the 
batteries on the ridge, at short range, by direct and entilading fire, we'e still pouring down 
upon them a shower of iron, and the n.usketry from the hillsides were thinning their 
ranks, thev dashed over the breastworks, through the rifie-pits, and started up the ridge. 
Thev started without orders. Along the whole line of both divisions, from right to left 
and from left to right, simultaneously with one accord, animated with one spirit, and 
with heroic courage, eagerlv thev rushed forward to a danger before which the bravest, 
marching utuler oiciers, might tremble. Officers caught the enthuNiasm of the men, and 
the men in turn were cheered by the otllcers. Each regiment tried to surpass the other 
in fighting its way up a hill that would try those of stout limb and strong lungs to climb, 
and each tried first to plant its fiag on the summit. Abo^e these men were an additional 
line of ritle-pits filled with troops. What was on the summit of the ridge they knew 
not, and did not stop to inquire. The enemy was before them ; to know that was to 
know sutticient. At several points along the line my troops were ascending the hill and 
gaining positions less exposed to the enem_\ 's artiller\' fire, though more exposed to the 
fire of the musketry. Seeing this, I sent my assistant adjutant-general to inquire, first 
of General Wood and then of General Sheridan, whether the troops had been ordered up 
the ridge by them, and to instruct them to take the ridge if possible. In reply to this, 
General Wood told him that the men had started without orders, and that he could take 
it if he could be supported. In the mean time an aide-de-camp from General Sheridan 
had reported to me that the general wished to know whether the orders that had been 
given to take the rifle pits "meant those at the base of the ridge or those on top." My 
reply was that the order had been to take those at the base. Conceiving this to be an 
order to fall back to those rifle pits, and on his way to General Sheridan, so reporting it 
to General Wagner, commanding second brigade of Sheridan's division, this brigade was 
^^ithdra\vn from a position which it had gained on the side of the ridge to the rifle pits 
which were being raked by the enemy's artillery, and from this pointy starting again 
under a terrible fire, made the ascent of the ridge. My assistant adjutant-general, on his 
way to General Sheridan, reported to me General Wood's reply, but, by my instruc: 
tions went no further with the message which I had given him, as I had alreadv sent 
Captain Avrey, my aid-de-camp, directly to Major-General Sheridan, instructing him to 
go ahead and take the ridge if he could. I had also, in the mean time, sent all the rest 
of mv staff otKcers, some of them to deliver similar massages to Major-General Sheridan 
and Brigadier-General Wood, fearing the first message might not get through, and 
others to order up the reser\'es and every man that remained behind to the support of the 
troops starting up the ridge. Brigadier-General Johnson's division of the 14th army 
corps was now ordered up to the support of Major-General Sheridan, while Brigadier- 
Guneral Baird's divison of the same corps was pushed up to the support of Brigadier- 
General Wood on the left. Through the shower of musket shot that came from above, 
climbing up the ridge over rocks, and felled timber, mv command marched upward. In 
just one hour from the time of leaving Orchard Knob it was driving the enemv from 
his last line of breastworks and rifle-pits, and capturing his batteries. As soon as the 
enemv had been dri\en from the summit of the ridge in front of Major-General Sher- 
itlan, he fled down its southern slope, retreating towards Chickamauga Creek. General 
.Sheridan promptly followed them, moving with two brigades of his division (Brigadier- 
General Wagner's and Colonel Barker's) down the road leading to Chickamauga 
station. He had pursued but one mile, when as night was approaching, he came up with 
a large body of trof)ps posted, with eight pieces of artillerv, in a strong position on a 
high ridge. Our men elated with their success thus far, stopped not at this obstacle, but 
boldl_\' pushing up to the enemy's line, opened a vigorous fire of nuisketrv and then 
made a gallant assaidt, which caused him to fly. Two guns and part of the enemv's 
wagon train were here captiu'ed. 

It was now night, and as the troops were almost exhausted by the fatigues of the 
day, they were halted on this ridge for the purpose of taking a short rest before con- 
tinuing the pursuit. 

Brigadier-Cieneral Wood had just driven the enemy from his front, on the summit 
of the ridge, when I obserxed a large force of the enemy coming from that part of the 
hill occupied by Maj()r-(>eneral Sherman, and moving in the direction of oiu" left flank. 
Before General Wood could get his troops in shape to meet them, Brigadier-General 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 33 

Baird opportunely arrived with his division and went into position on our left. When 
the enemy came up a sharp contest here commenced, which afterwards lasted until 
dark. After the 17th Kentucky infantry had wheeled to the left and fired a few volleys 
into the enemy's flank thereby immediately relieving Baird's right, I directed General 
Wood to form his division on the ground it then occupied for the purpose of resting his 
men and getting them also ready for the anticipated pursuit of the enemy. 

Two miles and a half straightforward from the ridge held by General Wagner and 
Colonel Harker at dark is Chickamauga Creek. From this point it runs towards the 
north end of Missionary Ridge, which was held by Major-General Sherman, then sweep- 
ing around the same, it flows in a northwestern direction for a short distance, and 
empties into the Tennessee River. Taking the north end of Missionary Ridge as the 
apex, and then Ridge and Chattanooga Creeks as sides, we have an acute triangle. It was 
my design, as soon as the troops were sufficiently rested to move, and, as soon as I 
could procure guides, to push Sheridan's division^ supported by Wood's, down Moore's 
road, and, if possible, get possession of the crossing of Chickamauga Creek, then, swing- 
ing my column, to move towards the north end of Missionary Ridge. By this move- 
ment I expected to capture many prisoners, together with wagon trains "and artillery 
that could not get over the creek in time to be saved by the enemj'. The night was 
favorable for this movement, as the moon shone clear and bright. 

At 7>4^ p. m. I, sent a dispatch to Major-General Thomas, informing him that I 
thought we could cut off a large number of the enemy by making a bold dash upon the 
Chickamauga, moving down the roads, that led from our front, and that I was in 
readiness for any disposition that he might be pleased to make. 

Being, to my great disappointment, unable to procure guides acquainted with the 
country between the ridge and the creek, I was not able to commence the movement 
until midnight, so that by the time General Sheridan reached the creek the rear guard 
of the enemy was just crossing. The enemy was so closely pursued, however, that he 
was obliged to burn his pontoon bridge before all of his forces could cross the creek, 
leaving several hundred of them to fall into our hands as prisoners. We also captured 
a large number of wagons loaded with quarter-masters' supplies, together with caissons, 
limbers, small arms, artillerv, ammunition, &c. 

In accordance with orders received from Major-General Thomas, I withdrew the 
troops from this pursuit before daylight to make preparations to start on forced marches 
for the relief of Major-General Burnside, at Knoxville. 

The bold and successful attempt to storm Missionary Ridge, the results that 
followed, the short time consumed in beating back the enemy, and the fruits of the vic- 
tory, were such as to render this one of the most remarkable battles of the age' 

The ridge was taken after a hard struggle, and those who looked on from below 
were unable to tell which division or what regiment first reached its summit, for 
along my whole line many regiments appeared to dash over the breastwdrks on the crest 
at the same moment. 

Although it took but one hour to gain the Ridge, my command lost 20.21 per cent, 
of the force engaged in killed and wounded. For particulars of the casualties I refer to 
the tabular statement of the same, herewith filed. 

We captured thirty-one pieces of artillery and three thousand eight hundred and 
twelve prisoners. General Sheridan reports 1,762 prisoners taken by his division, for 
whom he obtained receipts, and General Wood reports 2,050 taken by his division, for 
over one thousand of whom he also obtained receipts. I do not hesitate to state that the 
enemy in his flight lost over five thousand stand of small arms. In many places the 
ground was covered with them ; we passed b\' without gathering them up, as we were 
pursuing and fighting the enemy until after dark, and as my command was recalled 
during the night for the purpose of marching to Knoxville. 

For an account of the capture made by the two brigades of my first division on 
Lookout Mountain, and for a statement of their losses, I refer to the official reports of 
Brigadier-General Cruft forwarded to Major-General Hooker. 

Were I to name all who in this most gallant feat of arms won credit, I must need 
call the roster and rolls of my command; sufficient be it then in this place that I refer 
for the names of officers and men worthy of special mention to the reports of their im- 
mediate commanders. 

To Major-General Philip H. Sheridan, conspicuous for his conduct and gallantry on 
every battle-field where he has been engaged, and not less so upon this one, to Brig- 
adier-General Thomas J. Wood, the tried and trusty soldier, who here added a new 
glory to his enviable record, to Brigadier-Generals Willich and Hazen and Wagner, and 
Samuel Beatty, and to Colonels Harker and Sherman, commanding brigades, whose 
names will be heard wherever is told the story of the marching and fighting of this 



34 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



armv, to the regimental and company officers, and to the private soldiers in the ranks, 
not merely my own acknowledgments but those of the whole country are due. 

To all of the members of my staff for rendering me important service in carrying 
despatches and orders over the hottest part of the field during the battle, and for 
promptly and cniciently performing all other duties required of them, 1 offer my sincere 

thanks. 

G. GRANGER, 
Major- General Commanding. 
Brigadier-General W. 1). Whipple, 

Chief of Staff, D. C. 

BATTLE OF MI.SSION RIDGE. 

Statement of killcci, ivoundcd, and missing in the second division, 4tli army corps, commanded 
by Major-iirncral P. H. Sheridan) and in the third division, 4th army corps, com- 
manded bv Brigadier-General Thomas 7^- Wood. 





Commander. 


Killed. 


Wounded. 


Missing. 


Total. 




Com nd. 


'•J 

c 




1 



H 


c 


y; 

'e 

s 






5 
^ 


c 


£ 




5 

e2 


c 
p 

'c 

B 


1 

W 

266 
65S 
258 


■J 
1 

be 

< 


1st brijr., 2ti division 
2d brig., 2d division 
3d brig., 2d division 


Colonel Sherman. . . . . 
Brig.-Gen. Wagner.. 
Colonel Harker 


6 
2 
4 

12 

7 

7 
2 

16 

28 


26 
70 

119 


32 
27 

121 


27 
SO 
34 


2,30 

SS6 
23s 


266 
636 
269 








32 


20S 




2 


2 


296 












III 


1,060 


1,171 




2 


2 


123 


1. 181 

313 
4S5 
160 

958 
2, '39 


',.3<H 




Brig.-Gen. AVillich.. . 

Urig'-Gen. tiazen 

Brig.-Gen. Beatty 


ist brig., 3d division 
2d brig., 3d division 
3d tirig., 3d division 


46 

S6 
12 

144 


'4 
160 


17 
30 
12 

59 


267 
.399 
.48 

814 


2S4 
429 
160 








34 
37 
'4 

1^ 


337 

522 
J 74 












_ 




— •■ 




Totul 3d division 


873 




1-033 


Total 2d & 3d div 




^3 


29 r 


170 


1,874 


2,044 








.98 


2.337 











Respectfully submitted, 
True copy: 



G. GRAXGER, Major-Gen., Commanding 4lh Army Corps, 
S. C. KELLOGG, Brevet- Major and A. D. C. 



OFFICIAL REPORT OF MAJOR-GENERAL PHIL. H. SHERIDAN. 

Headquarters Second Division, 4th Army Corps. 

Loudon, Tenn, Novmber 30, 1863. 

Colonel: I have the honor to subinit to the General commanding, the following 
report of the operations of my division in the valley of Chattanooga, embracing the 
storming of Missionary Ridge, and the pursuit of the enemy to the crossing of Chicka- 
mauga creek, at Bird's mills: 

On the morning of November 23, my division lay inside of the fortifications at 
Chattanooga, its right resting on Fort Negley, its left well over towards Fort Wood, the 
front parallel to Missionary Ridge. 

This ground I had occupied for a long time. The right of my picket line com- 
menced on the direct road from Chattanooga to Rossville, swept around on the arc of a 
circle, crossing Moore's road, and in front of an ele\ation on my front known as Bushy 
Knob, now designated the National Cemetery, and joining on to the picket line of Gen- 
eral Wood, nearly in front of Fort Wood. The divisions of General Baird was on my 
right ; that of General Wood on my left. 

My division consisted of three brigades, in all twenty-five regiments, with an effective 
force of about six thousand officers and men. The first, commanded by Colonel Frank 
T. Sherman, composed of the following regiments: second Missoin-i, fifteenth Missouri, 
twenty-second Indiana, seventy-fourth Illinois, thirty-sixth Illinois, forty-fourth Illinois, 
twenty-fourth Wisconsin, seventy-third Illinoi.s, eightv-eighth Illinois. The second, 
commanded by Brigadier-General G. D. Wagner, embracing the following regiments: 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 35 

fifteenth Indiana, fortieth Indiana, fifty-seventh Indiana, fifty-eighth Indiana, one hun- 
dretli Illinois, twenty-sixty Oliio, ninety-seventh Ohio. The tliird, commanded by Col- 
onel C. G. Harker, sixty-fiftli Ohio infantry, consisting of the following regiments: 
twenty-second Illinois, twenty-seventh Illinois, forth-second Illinois, fifty-first Illinois, 
seventy-ninth Illinois, third Kentucky, sixty-fourth Ohio, sixty-fifth Ohio, one hundred 
and twenty-fifth Ohio. 

The command had been prepared for an offensive movement for some days. 

About 12 o'clock, m., of the 23d, I was notified by Major-General Granger that Gen- 
eral Wood would make a reconnoissance to an elevated point on his (Wood's) front, 
known as Orchard Knob, and I was directed to support him with my division, and pre- 
vent his right flank from being turned by an advance of the enemy on Moore's road, or 
from the direction of Rossville. 

In obedience to these instructions, I marched my divisions from its camp about two 
o'clock p. m., and placed Wagner's brigade on the northern slope of Bushy Knob, 
Harker's brigade on the southern slope, Sherman's in reserve. Immediately upon tak- 
ing this position I was joined by t^vo batteries of the 4th regular artillery, from the nth 
army corps, under command of Major Osborne. These were placed in position ; one on 
Bushy Knob, the other in a small lunette which I had previously constructed. 

Shortly after this disposition had been made, the division of Geneial Wood passed 
my left flank on its reconnoissance, attacked the enemy's pickets, drove in tiieir lines, 
and took possession of Orchard Knob. Wagner's brigade followed up the movement in 
echelon with Wood's right, Harker moved forward in echelon with Wagner's right, and 
Sherman followed in reserve. 

In this forward movement, the skirmishers of Wagner and Harker encountered those 
of the enemy and drove them in. After the two brigades had reached a slight ridge on 
their front, three hundred yards in advance, they were halted, and, by direction of Major- 
General Thomas, a line of rifle-pits was constructed, covering the front, making the posi- 
tion a very strong one. 

Shortly after dark. General Wood feeling uneasy about his right flank, by direction 
of General Granger I moved closer to him, and at the same time ordered battery G, 
fourth United States artillery, to a position on the left of Wagner, so as to give entire 
security to General Wood's right. Strong lines of pickets had already been thrown out 
on my front, and I advanced scouts to watch any movement of the enemy during the 
night. 

Next morning and next day found me in the above described line, without any in- 
convenience except being at several times subjected to a very heavy artillery fire from 
rebel batteries on Missionary Ridge. 

During the day I was joined by Captain Gunther's battery, fourth artillery, which I 
placed on Bushy Knob. 

On the morning of the 25th, I directed Colonel Harker to drive in the rebel pickets 
on my front, so as to enable me to prolong my line of battle on that of JGeneral Wood, 
the necessity of refusing my right having been obviated by the capture of Lookout 
mountain. The enemy's pickets retired without resistance ; then Wagner's, Harker's 
and Sherman's brigades were advanced on the prolongation of Wood's line, and laid 
down upon their arms in front of Missionary Ridge. Battery G, fourth artillery, was 
moved to a position in front of Wagner's left, and Gunther's battery to a position in 
front of Harker's centre. 

Shortly after this disposition had been completed, about two o'clock p. m., orders 
were received from General Granger to prepare to carry the enemy's rifle-pits at the 
base of Missionary Ridge, to report when ready, and that the signal for the attack would 
be six guns fired from Orchard Knob in quick succession. I had few changes to make; 
Wagner was in two lines, connecting with Wood's right; Harker also in two lines, and 
closed on Wagner; Sherman I had directed to form with his brigade a column of attack, 
with a front of three i-egiments, and to throw out a heavy line of skirmishers on his 
front, covering the right flank of his column, as the troops on my right did not close on 
tome, or were in echelon. Wagner and Harker were also directed to cover their flanks 
with heavy lines. 

After this disposition for attack had been made, my right rested some distance to the 
right of Moore's road ; my left joined Wood well over toward Orchard Knob. A small 
stream of water ran parallel to my front. The centre of my division was opposite to 
Thruman's house, on Missionary'Ridge, the Headquarters of General Bragg. 

The ground in my front was first open timber; than an open, smooth plain, the dis- 
tance across which varied from 400 to 900 yards to the first line of the enemy's rifle-pits ; 
next a steep ascent of about 500 yards to the top of the ridge, the face of which was 
ragged and covered with fallen timber; lastly, the rifle-pits on the crest of the ridge, 
about 250 yards from the first line of rifle-pits. At a point about midway up the ridge 



36 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



was a partial line of rillc pits, commencing opposite my rij^ht centre, and extending to 
my right. 

Wliilc making mv dispositions for attack, the enemy, in plam view of the whole 
division, was makhig "his dispositions for resistance. He marched regiments from op- 
posite our right, waving their blue battle-flags, and filled up the spaces in his rifle-pits 
not alreadv occupied. 

I had "Wagner, 1 larker and Sherman. The men were veterans ; they had been at Pea 
Ridge, Shil()h?Perrvville, Stone River, and Chickamauga. 

'^Vhile riding from right and left, and closely examining the first line of pits occupied 
bv the cnemv, w-liich seemed as though they would prove untenable after they were 
carried, the doubt arose in mv mind as to whether I had properly understood the orig- 
inal order, and I despatched Captain Ransom, of my staff, to ascertain from General 
Granger whether it was the first line that was to be carried, or the ridge. 

He had scarcelv left me when the signal was given, and the divisions marched 
to the front under a most terrible tornado of shot and shell. It moved steadily on, and 
emerging from the timber, took up the double quick, and dashed over the open plain 
and a" tli"!" enemv's first line with a mass of glistening bayonets which was irresistible. 
Manv of the enemv fled ; the balance were either killed or captured. The first line of the 
three brigades reached the first line of pits simultaneously, passed over them, and laid 
down on the face of the mountain. 

The enemv had novv changed from shot and shell to grape, canister, and musketry; 
the fire was terrific. About this time Captain Ransom, who had been desp atched to 
General Granger, as heretofore mentioned, reached the left of my division, and informed 
General Wagner that it was the first line that was to be carried. Wagner withdrew his 
men to that line with severe loss. One of Harker's demibrigades was also, retired to 
the rifle pits. 

Captain Ransom then joined me about the centre of the line, and confirmed the 
original order; but believing that the attack had assumed a new phase, and that I could 
car"v the ridge, I could not order those officers and men who were so gallantly ascend- 
ing "the hill step bv step to return. 

I rode from the centre to the left, and saw disappointment in the faces of the men ; 
told them to rest for a few moments, and that they should go at it again. 

In the meantime the right and right centre were approaching the partial line of pits 
above alluded to, led bv twelve sets of regimental colors ; one would be- advanced a few 
feet, then another would come up to it, each vying with the other to be foremost, until 
the entire twelve were planted on the crest of the partial line of pits by their gallant 
bearers. 

Captain Averv, of General Granger's staff, here came up and informed me that the 
original order was" to carry the first line of pits, but that if in my judgment the ridge 
could be taken, to do so. " Mv judgment was that it could, and orders were given acord- 
inglv, obeved with a cheer, and the ridge was carried. 

'The right and right centre reached the summit first, being nearest to the crest, and 
crossed it to the riglit of General Bragg's headquarters. The contest was still main- 
tained for a few minutes, when the enemy was driven from his guns, and the battery 
eaptured. 

Two of the pieces taken were designated, respectively, "Ladv Buckner" and "Lady 
Breckinridge." The adjutant-generals of Generals Breckinridge and Bates, and many 
other staff officers were taken prisoners, the generals themselves barely escaping. General 
Bragg having left but a few moments before. The whole division had now reached the 
crest, and the enemv was retiring, but had a well organized line covering his retreat. 

His disorganized troops, a large wagon train, and several pieces of artillery, could be 
distinctly seen flying through the valley below, within a distance of half a mile. 

I at once directed Wagner and Harker to press their rear guard, and capture their 
wagon train and artillery, if possible. The right of Wagner's and the left of Harker's 
brigade moved along the road leading to Chickamauga Station, (Moore's road), their 
brigades deployed to the left and right of the road. 

Both brigades skirmished with the enemy in this advance. Wagner's brigade drove 
the enemy from and captured nine pieces of artillery. 

On reaching a point about one mile beyond Missionary Ridge, the road lan over a 
high formidable ridge, on which the enemy had posted eight pieces of artillery, supported 
by a heavy force, notwithstanding which , these gallant brigades , without artillery, did 
not hesitate to attack him. I immediately rode towards the front and met a staff oflicer 
of Colonel Wood, (commanding demi-brigade,) who informed me that the command was 
hard presssed, and that two regiments were on the left of the road with captured artil- 
lery. I repaired at once to the regiments, 26th Ohio and 15th Indiana, and ordered them 
to advance, at the same time hastening forward myself to the front, where I found 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 37 

Colonel Wood contending bravely against overwhelming numbers of the enemy, his 
men clinging to the face of the hill, as they had done a iew hours before on Missionary 
Ridge. 

It was dusk, and the two regiments above referred to were about flanking the enemy, 
but in order to accomplish this a high bluff, where the ridge on the left terminated, had 
to be carried. General Wagner here joined me, and I designated him the point to be 
carried, and directed him to accompany the regiments in person. 

Colonel Harker, who had also here joined me, was directed to push forward the 
demi -brigade of Colonel Opdyke on the right. But a few moments elapsed ere the 26th 
Ohio and the 15th Indiana carried the crest. When the head of the column reached the 
summit of the hill, the moon rose from behind, and a medallion view of the column was 
disclosed as it crossed the moon's disk and attacked the enemy, who, outflanked on the 
left and right, fled, leaving two pieces of artillery and many wagons. This was a gallant 
little fight. 

While we were thus pushing the enemy, and forcing him to abandon his artillery, 
wagons, and stores, the division of General Wood remained on Missionary Ridge, con- 
structing rifle-pits, and General Hazen and his brigade employed themselves in collect- 
ing the artillery from which my men had driven the enemy, and have claimed it their 
capture. 

General Wood, in his report to General Thomas, of artillery taken, claims many 
pieces which were the prizes of my division, and when told by me that the report was 
untruthful, replied " That it was based upon the report of General Hazen," who, per- 
haps, will in turn base his on those of the regiments, but whether Wood, Hazen, regi- 
mental or company commanders, are responsible, the report is untrue. Eleven of these 
guns were gleaned from the battle-field, and appropriated while I was pushing the enemy 
on to Chickamauga Station. 

I beg pardon for this unpleasant digression. 

After the ridge was captured Wagner's and Harker's brigades went into bivouac. 

About twelve o'clock at night, being ordered with my division to press the enemy, I 
drove him over Chickamauga creek and captured caissons, limbers, wagons, a large quan- 
tity of artillery ammunition and small arms, and very many prisoners. 

I reached the creek at about two o'clock of the morning of the 26th of November, 
and, in the afternoon of the same day, returned to camp at Chattanooga, where I was at 
once ordered to prepare to march on Knoxville to raise the seige. 

To recur again to the assault on Missionary Ridge and the position taken for the 
attack, I would make mention of the most terrible cross-fire of artillery and musketry to 
which my troops were subjected for a distance of at least one and one-eighth miles, 
while in, and emerging from the timber, and during the time occupied in crossing the 
-open plain to the first line of rifle-pits. 

In justice to my gallant officers and men, I must say that their coriduct was more 
than heroic; it was the prompting of a brave heart in a just cause, and an inspiration 
caused by the sight of the old flag which had been borne by them through many battles. 

The gallant color-bearers, officers and men, who planted their flags upon Missionary 
Ridge, are the true heroes of the battle. 

In giving praise, I cannot nor will the country forget that 123 oflicers and 1,179 men 
of this division bathed the face of Missionary Ridge with their loyal blood. 

I am pleased to recommend to the attention of the general commanding and to my 
country. General G. D. Wagner and Colonels Harker and Sherman, commanding re- 
spectively the 2d, 3d and ist brigades. • Colonels Harker and Sherman accompanied the 
colors of thpir regiments, and inspired their men by their coolness and gallant bearing. I 
take great pleasure in recommending these officers for promotion to brigadier-generals, 
a position Avhich they have fairly won on this and other fields, and which they are fully 
qualified by ability and long experience to fill. 

Of Colonels Laibold, 2d Missouri, Miller, 36th Illinois, Wood, 15th Indiana, Wal- 
worth, 42d Illinois, Opdyke, 125th Ohio, each of whom commanded demi-brigades^ I 
would say much in approbation ; they are well worthy of any compliment that their 
country can confer. 

Of the regimental commanders. Colonel Jacques, 73d Illinois, Barrett, 44th Illinois, 
Marsh, 74th Illinois, Conrad, 15th Missouri, Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler, 88th Illinois, 
Oleson, 36th Illinois, Beck, 2d Missouri, Colonels Dunlap, 3d Kentucky, Buckner, 79th 
Illinois, Mcllvaine, 64th Ohio, Miles, 37th Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonels Bullet, 65th 
Ohio, Swanwick, 22d Illinois, Major Davis and Captain Tilton, 51st Illinois, Captain 
Swaine, 42d Illinois, Major Davidson, 73d Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonels Neff, 40th Ind- 
iana, Moore, 58th Indiana, Burns, 97th Ohio, Young, 26th Ohio, Majors Hammond, looth 
Illinois, and White, 15th Indiana, many of whom were wounded, I would speak in the 



•M 



BATTLES OF CM ATTANOOC; A. 



highest praise ; by their brilliant example at the head of their respective regiments, men 
were inspired to the perfection of deeds of valor and heroism. 

To the skirmish line, composed of the 88th Illinois, 57th Indiana, and ^2i\ Illinois, 
gre;it credit is due for the •gallant manner in which it cliar^ed the enemy's lines. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Leonard, 57th Indiana, Majcjr Sherman, 36tli Illinois, and Caplitin Swaine, 
a2l\ Illinois, in charge of the skirmishers of their respective brigades, are brave and effi- 
cient officers, and well deserving of promotion; with such officers to lead, success is in- 
evitable. 

In mv special mentions must be included Captain Gunther, commanding a battery 
temporarilv assigned to me; also the officers of battery (J, 4th United States artillery, to 
whom I ain indebted for valuable services rendered, and regret that I am unable to par- 
ticularize by name. 

I wish also to bring to the notice of the General commanding, the officers of my 
staff; mv aids, Captain ]. S. Ransom, Lieutenants Frank II. Allen. M. V. Sheridan, and 
T. W. C. Moore, my faithful assistants, assidious in the discharge of their duties, always 
readv and prompt to carry orders; Surgeon D. J. Griffiths, medical director, Captain 
(ieoi-ge Lee, assistant adjutant general, Captain Warren P. Edgarton, chief of artillery, 
Captain W. L. Mallorv, chief of subsistence, Captain P. I'. Smith, assistant quartermas- 
ter. Major Francis Morhardt, topographical engineer. Captain .Snyder, commissary of 
musters, all of whom discharged their duties with fidelity. 

The following captures were made by my division: seventeen pieces of artillery; six 
of these, with caissons complete, were turned over and receipts obtained therefor. The 
eleven were hauled off the field and appropriated as heretofore mentioned while the div- 
ision was pushing back on Chickamauga creek. 

The number of prisoners taken is as follows: First brigade, 470; second brigade, 
762; third brigade, 530. In all, 1,762. 

In summing up I would make the following statement of casualties: Officers kill- 
ed, 12; men killed, 119; aggregate, 131. Officers wounded, iii; men wounded, 1,060; 
aggregate, 1,171. Men missing, 2. Total officers killed, wounded and missing, 123. 
Total men killed, wounded and missing, 1,181 ; grand aggregate, 1,304. 

I have the honor to be. Colonel, your obedient servant, 

P. H. SHERIDAN, 
Lieutenant-Colonel J. S. Fullerton, Major-Getieral Comunuiding . 

Assistant Adjutant-General, 4th Army Corps, 
Department of the Cumberland. 



Headquarters Second Division, 4th Army Corps, 

Chattanooga, Ten., November 27, i863" 
General Orders, ) 
No. 20. \ 

The General, commanding, desires to express to the officers and men of his division, 
irs sincere thanks for their gallant conduct in the battle of the 25th. The storming of 
Missionary Ridge and the manner in which it was done, has not a parallel in this war 
i.or in history. 

That bold Ridge, which for months past has been occupied and nightly illuminated 
by the camp fires of an insolent foe has, by your gallantry become a towering monument 
of your glory to future generations. 

In exulting over our splendid success, we must not forget that it was attended with 
the loss of killed and wounded of *i23 heroic officers, and 1,128 brave men. Let us 
offer to the wounded and the families of the gallant dead our heartfelt sympathies. 

By command of Major-General Sheridan: 

(Signed); George Lee, 

Assist a nt Adjutant- General. 

* A number greater than the whole French army lost at Solferino. 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



39 



OFFICIAL REPORT OF MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN M. PALMER, COM- 
MANDING THE 14th ARMY CORPS. 

Headquarters 14th Army Corps, 

Department of the Cumberland, 

Chattanooga, December 1863. 

Sir: I have the honor to forward for the information of the general commanding 
the department, the reports of Brigadier-General Johnson and Brigadier-General A. 
Baird, commanding divisions, of the part borne by the commands during the late oper- 
ations near Chattanooga, together with the reports of their brigade and regimental com- 
manders respectively. 

It will be seen that the report of the operations of each division is complete of itself, 
and as their movements were entirely disconnected with each other, no attempt has 
been made to blend them. They are respectfully referred to for all details and par- 
ticulars. 

The pleasing duty devolves upon me in forwarding these papers, which ends my 
connection with the army, to express my high satisfaction with the conduct of the 
officers and men of these divisions; Brigadier Generals Johnson and Baird were prompt, 
able, and true. They discharged all their duties like earnest patriots and good soldiers, 
nor were their subordinates less entitled to praise. 

All the members of my personal staff deserve and have my thanks for their good 
conduct. 

Appended hereto will be found a consolidated statement, trophies and prisoners cap- 
tured, as well as the casualities of the command. 

Respectfully, 

JOHN M. PALMER, 
Brig.-General W. D. Whipple, Major-Gcneral. 

Assistattt Adjutant -General. 

Killed and ivounded hi the first division j^tk army corps. 



Command. 


Killed. 


Wounded. 


Total. 


First brigade 


25 
21 


134 
124 


159 


Second bri<3"ade 


145 






Grand total 


46 


25S 


304 







\ 

CAPTURES. 

Three Napoleon guns, with horses and harness complete ; two caissons, with horses 
and harness complete; one Napoleon gun; one thousand one hundred and sixty-five 
(1,165) prisoners of all grades, from lieutenant-colonel down to privates; five stands of 
colors, with a great number of small arms. 

Killed, zuoundcd, and missing- in third division 14th army corps. 



Command. 


Killed. 


Wounded. 


Missing. 


Total. 




57 
22 
18 


222 

139 
100 


4 
2 

I 


283 




163 


Third brigade 


119 


Grand total 


97 


461 


7 


.565 







CAPTURES. 

One regimental and one battle flag, and ten pieces of artillery; about two hundred 
(200) small arms in good condition. 



*3d brigade, Brig.-Gen'l J. C. Starkweather, in forts and mtrencliments around Cliattanooga. 



40 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



Hkadc^lartkrs P'irst Division, 14TH Army Corps. 

CiiATTANiMXJA, Tenn., November 30, 1863. 

Captain: 1 nave the honor to make the following report of my division from Nov- 
ember J3d lip to this date: 

November 23. — I was directed by the major-general commanding the' corps to plaice 
mv first and third brigades, (the second being on jiicket,) within the rifle-pits in front of 
my encampment where the troops remained during the night. 

November 24. — General Baird's division of the 14th army corps was sent to the front, 
and the forts and intrenchments in front of his encampment were held by my division. 
The command under General Hooker attacked the enemy on Lookout mountain, and 
late in the evening I was ordered to send General Carlin's brigade over Chattanooga 
creek to report to General Hooker. The creek being much swollen by recent rains, and 
the banks verv abrupt, it was impossible to ford it or to throw over a temporary bridge. 
Meeting with'Colonel Stanley, eighteenth Ohio volunteers, he kindly consented to bring 
down a ferrv boat, which was used. Pending the arrival of the ferry boat, the corps 
commanderdirected ALijor Mendenhall to bring down to the bank of the creek some 
artillerv. One section of the eighth Wisconsin battery, and one section of the seventh 
Indiana batterv, were posted in position, and did fine execution against the masses of the 
cnemv hurled against (icneral Hooker's left, and prevented re-inforcements being sent 
against our forces on the mountain. 

General Carlin, although neces.sarily delayed a short time, formed a junction with 
General Hooker on the rough irregular slope of the mountain in time to assist in repell- 
ing, in a gallant style, a heavy assault upon our lines. 

Noveinber 25. — General Carlin's brigade recrossed Chattanooga creek and rejoined 
my command, while the forces on Lookout mountain passed down the eastern slope and 
over the valley to the foot of Missionary Ridge. In the afternoon I was instructed to 
draw in mv second brigade from picket, and hold it in readiness to move against the 
enem\-; mv third i)rigade, (General Starkweather,) was ordered to hold the forts and in- 
trenchments in and around Chattanooga. Later in the day I was ordered to form my 
command in two lines, resting my left against the right of General Sheridan's division, 
and to conform to his movements. Up to this time, owing to the sickness of General 
King, whose absence I regretted very much, my second brigade had been commanded 
bv the accomplished soldier, Colonel M. F. Moore, of sixty-ninth regirnent Ohio volun- 
teer infantrv; Colonel Stoughton, of the eleventh Michigan volunteers, arrived, and by 
virtue of seniority, took command of the brigade. 

M\ division was formed, General Carlin on the right, and Colonel Stoughton on tlia 
left, connecting with General Sheridan and facing Alissionary Ridge, a heavy line of 
skirmishers was thrown out, and all the arrangements made for aiding the movement on 
the left. The enemy was posted in a strong position in front, overlapping and extending 
awav off to the right as far as the eye could reach, while in front and to our right and 
left "batteries were posted so as to have a cross-fire. About 3:45 o'clock p. m., the ad- 
vance was sounded on my left, which was promptly conformed to by my command, and 
it moved forward steadily across the valley and towards the base of Missionary Ridge. 
My skirmishers soon became engaged with the enemy, who were sheltered by their ritle 
pits; but, without faltering, and under a galling fire of musketry and artillery, they 
moved forward, driving the enem}' from his first line of intrenchments. Notwithstand- 
ing the steepness of the mountain, the division moved steadily forward, driving the rebels 
from their works, and soon the summit of the mountain was reached, and the colors 
planted upon the enemy's boasted stronghold ; a loud and prolonged cheer announced 
that a great victory had been gained. The summit was reached a little before sundown, 
the lines reformed, pickets thrown out, and arrangements made for encamping for the 
night. Orders were received to replenish our ammunition, (up to one hundred rounds,) 
and to issue four days' rations preparatory to following up the retreating foe. 

November 26. The first and second brigades, the second in advance, moved out on 
the road leading south of east, accompanied by the comniander of the corps. After a 
march of seven miles the head of the column arrived at the west Chickamauga creek; 
here the bridge had been destroyed and the creek could not be forded. The horses were 
made to swim over while a temporary bridge was constructed, over which the men pass- 
ed. After moving one and a half miles the column reached Pea Vine creek, and here 
again it was necessary to construct a temporarv bridge for our men. At this point the 
road forked, the right hand leading directly to Ringgold; the left leading to Graysville 
General Carlin led off on the latter road. 

Before advancing far, the noise of men and w-agons rendered it certain that a column 
of the enemy was retreating by the Lafayette road. General Carlin was directed to 
form into line of battle, and Colonel Stoughton's brigade was, by direction of the corps 
commander, directed to advance on the Ringgold and to its crossing with the Lafayette 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 41 

road, and to attack the enemy vigorously. This movement was made in gallant style, 
and about 9 o'clock p. m. a volley was fired into Stewart's rebel division, the men of 
which scattered in all directions, throwing away their arms, abandoning their colors, and 
lea^•ing in our possession three Napoleon guns, two caissons, with horses, harness, &c., 
and quite a number of prisoners. The command then resumed the march on Gra\sville, 
General Carlin leading with his brigade. The head of the column reached the village 
about II p. m., dri\ing out of it, in great confusion, a number of the enem\-, supposed to 
be a brigade. In this place General Carlin captured a number of prisoners and one 
cannon. 

November 27. — At early dawn I was ordered to proceed to Ringgold by one road, 
while the major-general commanding the corps, with General Baird's division, marched 
by another route. This movement threw me in rear of Gen. Hooker's forces. 

When Gen. Hooker's advance reached Ringgold, it met with a spirited resistance. 
I directed General Carlin to form his brigade on the left of General Hooker and to ad- 
vance and attack. This was done in fine stvle, and soon his skirmishers opened upon 
those of the enemy, the latter falling back "to the summit of White Oak Ridge. 

Before advancing far General Hooker directed me to halt and await further orders. 
My command had hardly halted before the enemy withdrew from my front, and attacked 
the troops on m^- right, by which they were repulsed and driven from the field. Mv 
command remained in Ringgold until the morning of the 29th November, when it was 
ordered to return to this place. 

The battles referred to in this report were fought on open ground, and everv com- 
mander in the army could see the conduct of nearly all the troops engaged. To sav my 
division done well would hardly convey an idea of the noble daring of its officers and 
men. The army of the Cumberland has nobly sustained its gallant reputation, and it is 
but just to accord to the heroes of Vicksburg and the Potomac an equal share in the 
honor and glory won by our united efforts. I cannot close this report without acknowl- 
edging the valuable services of my brigade commanders. 

R. W. JOHNSON, 
Brisradier-Gcneral United States Volunteers. 
Captain B. H. Polk, 

Assistant Adjutant-General I4tli Army Corps. 
True copy: " S. C. KELLOGG, 

Brez'et-Major and Aid-dc-Cy.vip. 



OFFICL\L REPORT OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL ABSOLOM BAIRD. 

Headquarters Third Division, 14TH Army Corps, 

Chattanooga, Tenn., December 9, 1863. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this div- 
ision in the recent operations of our forces in this vicinity. 

On the 23rd of Noveinber I received orders to move north iny division from its 
camp, within the line of works surrounding this place, and to display my force in position 
near Rossville road, immediately in front of the rebel intrenchments, strongly threaten- 
ing attack, but to avoid becoming seriously engaged. 

During the afternoon of the day, (Monday,) this order was carried into execution, and 
after dri\ing back the pickets of the enemy, my lines were formed between the Rossville 
and Moore's roads, under the guns of our own works. Mv position was quite nearlv in 
front of the enemv's centre, and on the right of the troops composing our own centre. 
The object of the demonstration I understood to be to aid in the execution of other move- 
inents on the extreme flanks. 

We bivouacked in our position on Monday night, and continued to maintiiin it dur- 
ing Tuesdav and Thursday night. On that day, while General Hooker on our right 
assaulted Lookout Mountain, gaining such a foothold upon it as to lead to its evacuation 
during the night, and while General .Sherman on our left established himself upon the 
northend of Missionarv Ridge, we remained comparatively inactive, only skirmishing 
slightly with the rebel pickets, and using our artillery upon such points as seemed to 
promise the most for the object in \ie\v. 

On the morning of Wednesday, the 25th, it was found that the enemy was no 
longer in heavy force upon our right, about Chattanooga Creek, and 1 sent out parties 
to feel in that direction, so as to ascertain to what extent he had withdrawn. While en- 
gaged in this wav orders were brought me directly from department headquarters, 
directing me to pass with my division to the extreme left to the assistance of General 
Sherman, then hotlv engaged in the vicinity of Tunnel Hill. The road I was required 



43 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



to take led aloti',' tlie river, ami it was several miles to the point when I struck the rear 
t)f (Jeneral Sherman's command. I had harely reached this point with the head of my 
column when a messenger reached me with orders to return towards the centre, and to 
form mv division on the left of the troops occupying that position. I would thus pro- 
long the line formed hy (ieneral Granger's corps toward the left of General S. Beatty's 
brigade of Wood's division, at a point n'H far from the north of Orchard Knob, my left 
extending well off towards the tunnel. My brigades were posted in their order from 
right to left, (ieneral Turciiin on the right. Colonel Van Derveer in the centre, and 
Colonel IMielps on the left, and the division was in two lines, the first deployed with a 
heavv skirmish line in fiont and on the left, which was otherwise uncovered. The 
interval between my left and General Sherman was, perhaps, two miles in extent; com- 
munication being open between us by passing around to the rear, but on the direct line 
lav the rebel masses which were opposing him. 

I had just completed the establishment of my line, and was upon the left of it, )vhen 
a staff oliicer from Major-General Thomas brought me verbal orders to move forward 
to the edge of the open ground which bordered the foot of Missionary Ridge, within 
striking distance of the rebel rifle-pits at its base, so as to be ready at a signal, which 
would be the firing of six guns from Orchard Knob, to dash forward and take those pits. 
He adiled this was intended preparatory to a general assault on the mountain; that it was 
doubtless designed by the major-general commanding that I should take part in this 
movement, so that Twould be following his wishes were I to push on to the summit. I 
gave the necessai v orders to the third brigade, and passing on to the right was in the act 
of communicating them, to Colonel Van Derveer, of the second, when firing from Orch- 
ard Knob began. Manv more than six shots were fired, and it was impossible to deter- 
mine whether it was the signal fixed or not ; nevertheless I hastened to the first brigade, 
when I found the troops of General Wood's division already in motion, going forward. 
I at once directed General Turchin to push to the front, and without halting to take the 
rifle-pits ; then, confronting his movements to those of the troops on his right, to en- 
deavor to gain the summit of the mountain along with them. I then passed towards the 
left to see how liiings were progressing there, and found the first line of both the second 
and third brigades in possession of the rifle pits, from which the enemy had been hand- 
somelv dislodged, the second line lying down some short distance in the rear. The 
rebel "troops wiiich had occupied the works were in retreat up the mountain, while 
numerous batteries, both in our front and far to our right and left, opened upon us a 
heavv cross-fire from the crest. For a time this cannonade was indeed severe, the atmo- 
sphere seemed filled with messengers of death, and shells bounded in every direction. It 
was continued until the guns were captured, but, owing no doubt to the great depression 
under which thev were fired, our loss was far less than might have been expected. Look- 
ing towards the Vight I saw that General Turchin had passed the line of rifle-pits, and 
was well upon his wav to the top of the ridge. Two of his flags, surrounded by a troop 
of the bravest spirits, "had passed the rest and remained for some time perched upon the 
side of the mountain quite near its top. I saw, however, that the troops on the right 
had halted near the rifle-pits, contrary to my understanding when I gave him my in- 
structions, and that he was unsupported. I was in the act of starting forward my other 
two brigades for this purpose, when I received orders not to permit my men to go 
further, and not to permit them to become engaged. I was at this much perplexed as 
to how I should best withdraw General Turchin. It was only, however, momentary, as 
another order came in less than three minutes for the whole line to charge to the top. 
This order ha\ing been communicated, all of both lines leaped forward with a shout and 
rushed up tlie mountain side. The ridge, more or less steep and difiicult throughout, 
was particularly so in my front, but those striking the more accessible points, and the 
strongest men, "and the bravest men, soon passed to the front, Regimental organizations 
became somewhat deranged, and presented rather the appearance of groups gathered to- 
gether around the colors, which they pushed onward and upward through the storm of 
bullets. 

I cannot too strongly commend to the major-general commanding the heroic gal- 
lantry of the officers and men of the division in the charge, which has few parallels in my 
readings of wars. To say less than this would be unjust tolhose brave men, to say more 
might seem out of place, since it occurred imder the eyes of the general himself. I rode 
up myself to the interval between the first and second brigades, and for a time portions 
of the lines wers concealed from view, but I have taken great pains to collect evidence 
of what transpired, and it is herewith transmitted. 

The march of General Turchin's brigade was directed upon a prominent knob, on 
which there were several pieces of artillery, and a small house, used afterwards as a 
"hospital. It may be recognized readily by the marks. This I believe to be the first point 
carried by my command. It is difticult to determine questions of slight precedence in point 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 43 



of time, in a rivalry of this nature, and when all act nobly they are unimportant. The second 
brigade, in line going from troops toward the right, perhaps that of General Willich, 
may possibly have reached its point of aim a little before mine reached theirs, and soon 
after opened communication with us. The intermediate brigades came up a little later. 
I mention the first knob taken by General Turchin's command particularly, as 
making the extreme point towards the right carried by this division. It was strongly 
defended by the enemy, who was driven ivom it by the eleventh, thirty-first, and thirty- 
sixth Ohio regiments, and three guns captured. From this point to the left, every foot 
that was gained was due to the stubborn fighting of the men of this division, who drove 
the enemy steadily before them, and whatever captures were here made are the proper 
trophies of their valor. Colonel Van Derveer's brigade reached the crest a little to the 
left of the knob taken by General Turchin, and Colonel Phelps brigade, a little further 
yet in that direction. 

The work of the enemy along the crest of the ridge consisted of a slight breastwork 
of logs and stones, capable however, of strong defence. During the night much of it 
was transferred to the opposite side of the ridge to be used to our advantage. As our 
men reached the summit they were all turned to the left, the direction of the enemy's 
resistance, and pressed forward after him. In this movement from the point where my 
right gained the top of the extreme left, ten or twelve pieces of artillery were captured. My 
men found them in the possession of the enemy, some with strong infantry supports. 
They drove him from them and passed over them in the pursuit. One of their batter- 
ies was recaptured by a rally of the enemy, but again taken by us. The credit of cap- 
turing seven of these guns is claimed by th,e first brigade, and the second to have taken 
five. It is not impossible that two are the same in the claim of each of the parties, for 
the men got much mingled together at the close of the assault, yet they may be distinct; 
certain it is that the men of this division took ten guns out of the hands of the enemy, 
and that they never returned to him. 

A map attached to the brigade report of General Turchin shows minutely the position 
of most of the batteries captured by us, and I invite attention to it. 

As we gained ground towards the left, we approached closely the large bodies of 
troops collected by the rebel commander to resist or crush General Sherman; and as the 
attacks of the latter had been repulsed or were suspended about the time that we com- 
menced our assault, these men were at liberty to be used against us. The time which it 
took for VIS to mount the hill was enough for them to recover from their first surprise, 
and before we had gone far a strong force was found ready to confront us. Each knoll 
was more strongly defended than the previous one. The gallant Colonel Phelps, com- 
manding the third brigade, was shot dead soon after reaching the crest, in forming and 
directing his men, and the great number of the dead, both of our men and of the enemy, 
left upon the ground, attest the severity of the struggle. At length, after having driven 
the enemy to a knoll where he had the cover and support of the huts of one of his camps, 
and could be reached by us only over a long, narrow neck of ground, \ve found further 
progress at the time, impossible, and darkness put an end to the conflict. During the 
night the enemy abandoned his position and retired. While thus engaged upon the ex- 
treme left, the guns which we had captured and which we had left in the position where 
we had found them, were carried off to the rear, and we have since been unable to iden- 
tify them individually so as to claim them. I learn that all the guns turned over to the 
chief of artillery have been claimed by those presenting them as their capture, leaving 
none for this division. 

I regret, for the sake of the brave men who so fearlessly risked their lives in taking 
them, that this is so; but I felt at the time that we had a higher duty to perform, as long 
as there was an enemy to be encountered, than that of stopping to secure trophies for 
exhibition after the battle. Indeed, I was not quite s\ire that without strenuous exertions 
we would be able to retain what we had already gained. In considering the evidence of 
these captures, which I submit in behalf of my command, I trust that the general com- 
manding will remember that the guns of the enemy being widely scattered along the 
ridge, very few in one spot, a brigade or division, to have captured an unusual number, 
must not only have taken possession of the works in our front, but must have passed 
widely to the right and left along the crest, before the arrival of other troops. The 
prisoners whom we have captured, most of them, like the guns, were sent to the rear to 
be taken care of by others less occupied. Out of more than three hundred (300) taken, 
we have receipts for less than two hundred (200). Along with this report will be for- 
warded one regimental color and one battle flag, the former captured by the thirty-first 
Ohio, and the latter by the eleventh Ohio regiment, of Turchin's brigade. The division 
also took about two hundred (200) stand of small arms in good condition, and several 
caissons or limbers. 



44 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



On Thursday morning, in obedience to orders, I made a reconnoissance with the 
first brigade, as far as the C'bickamaiiga, in our front, without coming up with the rear of 
the enem\ , and in the afternoon maiched in the direction of Ringgold. 

On Friday morning I reached that ]ihice, anil joined the other division of the corps. 
We remained at Ringgold without jierforniing an\' unusual seivice until .Sunday, when 
we returned to this jilace. 

In the battle of the 25tli, in addition to the brave and gallant commander, of the 
first brigade. Colonel E. II. Phelps, whose loss to the country, to his family, and to our- 
selves, (Ills friends,) we much depU)re, we have likewise to mourn the loss of many others 
of our best and bravest otVicers and men. A list giving the names of the killed, wound- 
ed, and missing is appended. Of the living, both ollicers and enlisted men, who have 
signally distinguished themselves, mention will be foimd in the sub-reports, upon which 
my own is based. To present here a consolidated list of them would not add to their 
renown, and to mention some might be unjust to those overlooked. I trust, however, 
that some means may be devised for rewarding their distinguished services. A medal 
or baiige of honor for some, and the promotion they so richly deserve for others. 

To mv brigade commanders, Brigadier-General Turchin, of the first, and Colonel 
^'anl)er\•eer, of the second brigades, I invite your attention. To their skill, braverv and 
high soliiierlv c[ualitii-ati()ns, we are greatly indebted for the results we were enabled to 
accom[)lish. I hope that their services will be rewarded. After the death of Colonel 
Phelps, the command of the thitd brigade devolved upon Colonel Hays, tenth Kentucky 
infantry, by whom the duty was handsomely performed. 

To my staff officers, who were with me. Captain McClurg, acting assistant adjutant 
general; Major Connelly, inspector general; Captain Swallow, chief of artillc-y; 
Captain Johnston, provost marshal; Lieutenant White, ordinance officer; Lieutenant 
Dick, mustering officer; and to my medical director. Surgeon Bogue, I am highly 
indebted, both for services in the field and for the efficient aid which they rendered me. 

Respectfully submitted: 

A. BAIRD, 
Assistant Adjut.vnt General, Brigadicr-Gejieral Commanding. 

Headquarters 14th Army Corps. 



Recapittdation . 



Command. 



Killed. 


W ound'd 


Missing. 


Total. 


.jj 


"d 


m 


•6 


■Tj . 


■d 


te . 






<u 


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lU 


£l3 

r. c 


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tc 


















o-S 




o-S 




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c 


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C 


U =" 


W 


"- 


w 


u ^ 


W 


U "' 


M 


6 


■^i 


II 


211 




4 


17 


266 


2 


20 


13 


126 




2 


i.S 


14S 


2 


16 


3 


97 


.... 


I 


5 


114 


10 


87 


27 


434 




7 


37 


528 



bo 

< 



First brigade third division .... 
SeCond brigade third division. 
Third brigade third division. . . 

Third division 14th army corps 



OFFICIAL REPORT OF MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH HOOKER, EMBRAC- 
ING LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, MISSIONARY RIDGE AND RINGGOLD. 

Headquarters iith and i2th Corps, 

Lookout Valley, Tenn., February 4, 1S64. 
General: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my 
command in the operations of the army, which resulted in driving the rebel forces'froni 
all of their positions, in the vicinity of Chattanooga, and of its participation immediately 
afterwards in the pursuit of them." In order that this may be distinctlv understood, that 
the troops concerned be known and receive the honor due them, it is" necessary to pre- 
mise by stating that the attack was ordered to be made on the enemy's extreme" right at 
daylight on the 21st of November, and that preparatory orders were" sent through me on 
the iSth for the nth corps to cross on the north bank of the Tennessee river on the 20th. 
At this time the nth and a part of the 12th corps were encamped in Lookout vallev, op- 
posite to the left of the enemy's line. In consequence of the non-arrival of the "force 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 45 

mainly relied on to lead off at the attack, it was postponed to the following morning and 
again until the 24th, for the same reason. Meanwhile, orders were received for the nth 
corps to go to Chattanooga, where it reported on the 22d. This divided my command, 
and as the orders contemplated no advance from Lookout valley, application was made 
to the major-general commanding the department, for authority to accompany the nth 
corps, assigning as a reason that it was my duty to join that part of my command going 
into battle. This was granted, and, preparatory to leaving, invitation was sent for 
the senior officer in my absence, Brigadier-General Geary, to examine with me the 
enemy's positions and defences, and to be informed at what points I desired to have his 
troops held to enable me to make use of the telegraph in communicating with him ad- 
visedly, during the progress of the light, should a favorable opportunity present itself for 
him to advance. 

On the 23d, the commander of the department requested me to remain in Lookout 
Valley, and to make a demonstration as early as possible the following morning, on the 
point of Lookout Mountain; my command to consist of the parts of the two divisions. 
Later in the day (the 23d) a copy of a telegram was received from the major general 
commanding the division of the Mississippi, to the effect that in the event the pontoon 
bridge at Brown's ferry could not be repaired in season to cross Osterhaus's division of 
the fifteenth corps by 8 o'clock a. m. on the 24th, it would report to me ; and soon after 
another telegram, from the headquarters of the department, instructed me in this case to 
take the point of Lookout Mountain, if my demonstration should develop its 
practicability. At 2 o'clock a. m. word was received that the bridge could not be put in 
serviceable condition for twelve hours, and, to remove all doubt on the subject, a staff 
officer was dispatched to ascei'tain. At 3.15 a. m.,on the 24th, the report was confirmed. 

As now composed, my command consisted of Osterhaus's division, 15th corps; 
Cruft's division of the 4th; Geary's of the 12th; excepting from the last two named 
divisions auch regiments as were required to protect our communications with Bridge- 
port and Kelley's ferry; battery K of the first Ohio, and battery K of the first New 
York, of the nth corps; (the two having horses but for one;) a part of the second Ken- 
tucky cavalry, and company K of the fifteenth Illinois cavalry-, making an aggregate 
force of nine thousand six hundred and eighty-one, (9,681.) We were all strangers, no 
one division having seen either of the others. 

Geary's division, supported by Whittaker's brigade, of Cruft's division, was ordered 
to proceed up the valley, cross the creek near Wauhatchie, and march down, sweeping 
every rebel from it; the other brigade, of the 4th corps, to advance, seize the bridge just 
below the railroad, and ixpair it. Osterhaus's division to march up from Brown's ferrv, 
under cover of the hills, to the place of crossing; also to furnish supports for the bat- 
teries. The Ohio battery to take position on Bald Hill, and the New York battery on 
the hill directly in rear. The second Kentucky cavalry was dispatched to observe the 
movements of the enemy in the direction of Trenton, and the Illinois company to per- 
form orderly and escort duty. This disposition of the forces to be niade as soon after 
daylight as practicable. At this time the enemy's pickets formed a continuous line along 
the right bank of Lookout creek, with the reserves in the valley, while his main force 
was encamped in a hollow, half way up the slope of the mountain. The summit itself 
was held by three brigades of Stevenson's division, and were comparatively safe, as the 
only means of access from the west, for a distance of twenty miles up the valley, was 
by two or three trails, admitting of the passage of but one man at a time, and even those 
held at the top by rebel pickets. For this reason no direct attempt was made for the 
dislodgment of this force. 

On the Chattanooga side, which is less precipitous, a road of easy grade has been 
made, communicating with the summit by zigzagging diagonally up the side of the 
mountain; and it was believed that before our troops should gain possession of this, the 
enemy on the top would evacuate his position, or, in the event he did not, would be cut 
off from his main body, to rejoin which would involve a march of twenty or thirty 
miles. Viewed from whatever point. Lookout Mountain, with its high palisaded crest 
and its steep, rugged, rocky, and deeply furrowed slopes, presented an imposing barrier 
to our advance. And when to these were added almost interminable well planned, well 
constructed defenses, held by Americans, the assault became an enterprise worthy the 
ambition and renown of the troops to whom it was intrusted. 

On the northern slope, midway between the summit and the Tennessee River, a 
plateau or belt of arable land encircles the crest, where a continuous line of earthworks 
had been thrown up, together with redoubts, redans, and pits lower down the slope to 
repel an assault from the direction of the river, while on each flank were rifle pits, 
epaulements for batteries; walls of stones, and abatis to resist attacks from either the 
Chattanooga or Lookout valley themselves. Geary commenced his movement as 
instructed, crossed the creek at 8 o'clock, captured the entire picket of forty-two men 



46 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 

posted to defend it, marclied directly up the mountain until the right rested on the pali- 
.sades, and headed down the valley. At tiie same time Gross's hrigade advanced reso- 
lutelv, with hrisk skirmishing drove the eneni}' from the hridge, and at once proceeded 
to put it in repair. The tiring at this point alarmed the rehels, and immediately their 
columns were seen filing down the mountain from their camps, moving into their rifle 
pits and lireastworks, wliile numbers established themselves behind the embankment of 
the railroad, which enabled them, without exposure, to sweep with a fire of musketry 
the field over which our troops would be compelled to march, for a distance of three or 
four hundred yards. 

These dispositions were distinctly visible, and as facilities for avoiding them were 
close at hand, Osterhaus was directed to send a brigade, imdei cover of the hills and 
trees, about eight hundred yards higher up the creek, and prepare a crossing at that 
point. This was Brigadier-General Wood's brigade. 

Soon after, Cruft was ordered to lea\ e a sufficient force at the bridge to engage the 
attention of the enemy, and for the balance of Gross's brigade to follow Wood. Mean- 
while a section of howitzers was planted to enfilade the positions the enemy had taken, 
and Osterhaus had established a section of 20-pounder Parrotts to enfilade the route by 
which the enemy had left his camp. The battery on Bald hill enfiladed the railroad and 
highway leading to Chattanooga, and all the batteries and sections of batteries had a 
direct or enfilading fire within easy range on all the positions taken by the rebels ; besides, 
the 20-pounder Parrotts could be used with good effect on the rebel camp on the side of 
the mountain. W' ith this disposition of the artillery it was believed that we would be 
able to prevent the enemy from despatching relief to oppose Geary, and also keep him 
from running awav. At 11 o'clock Wood had completed his bridge; Geary's line 
appeared close by, his skirmishers smartly engaged. All the guns opened, W'ood and 
Gross sprang across the ri\er, joined Geary's left, and moved down the valley. A few 
of the enemy escaped from the artillery fire, and those that did ran upon our infantry 
and were ciptured. The balance of the rebel forces were killed or taken prisoners,many 
of them remaining in the bottom of their pits for safety until forced out by our men. 
Meanwhile, the troops on the mountain rushed on in their advance, the right passing 
directly imder the muzzles of the enemy's guns on the summit, climbing over ledges 
and boulders, up hill and down, furiously driving the enemy from his camp, and from 
position after position, until 12 o'clock, when Geary's advance heroically rounded the 
peak of the mountain. Not knowing to what extent the enemy might be re-enforced, 
and fearing, from the rough character of the field of operations, that our lines might be 
disordered, directions had been given for the troops to halt on reaching this high ground; 
but fired with success, a flying, panic-stricken enemy befoie them, they pressed eagerly 
forward ; Cobham's brigade on the right, occupying the high ground between the 
enemy's line of defence on the plateau and the palisades, incessantly plying them with 
fire from abo\e and behind, while Ireland's brigade was vigorously rolling them on the 
flank, both closely supported by the brigades of Whittaker and Creighton. Our success 
was uninrerrupted and irresistible. 

Before losing the advantages the ground presented us, the enemy had been re- 
enforced. Meantime, after having secured the prisoners, two of Osterhaus' regiments had 
been sent forward on the Chattanooga road, and the balance of his and Cruft's di\ision had 
joined Geary. All the rebel efforts to resist us only resulted in rendering our success 
more complete and triumphant. After two or three short but sharp conflicts the plateau 
was cleared, the enemy with his re-enforcements driven from the walls and pits around 
Craven's house, the last point at which he could make a stand in force, and, all broken 
and dismayed, were hurled over the rocks and precipices into the valley. 

It was now near 2 o'clock, when our operations were arrested by the darkness. The 
clouds which had hovered over and enveloped the summit of the mountain during the 
morning, and to some extent favored our movements, gradually settled into the valley, 
and completely veiled it from our view. Indeed, from the moment we had rounded the 
peak of the mountain, it Avas only from the roar of battle and the occassional glimpses 
they could catch of our lines and standards that our comrades from whom we were 
separated knew of the strife or its piogress; and when from these evidences our true 
condition was revealed to him, their painful anxiety yielded to transports of joy, which 
only soldiers can feel at the earliest moment of dawning victory. 

Deeming a descent into the valley imprudent without more accurate information of 
its topography, and also of the position and strength of the enemy, our line was estab- 
lished on the east side of the mountain, the right resting on the "palisades and the left 
near the mouth of Chattanooga Creek, and this was strengthened by all the means at 
hand until 4 o'clock, when the commander of the department was informed that our 
position was impregnable. 

During all of these operations the batteries on Moccasin Point under Captain 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 47 

Najlor, had been busily at work from the north bank of the Tennessee River, and had 
contributed as much to our assistance as the irregularities of the ground would admit of. 
From our position we cannonaded the enemy's line of defence stretching across Chatta- 
nooga Valley by an enfilading fire, and also by a direct iire many of his camps, some of 
which were in our immediate vicinity. Also direct communication had been opened with 
Chattanooga, and at a quarter past five o'clock Brigadier-General Carlin, 14th corps, re- 
ported to me with his brigade, and was assigned to duty on the right of the line to relieve 
Geary's command, almost exhausted with the fatigue and excitement incident to their 
unparalleled march. 

To prevent artillerv being brought forward the enemy had undermined the road 
and covered it with felled timber. This was repaired and placed in serviceable con- 
dition before morning. During the day and until after midnight, an irregular fire was 
kept up along our line, and had the appearance of an effort to break it. This was on the 
right, and was at once vigorously and handsomely repelled. In this Carlin's brigade 
rendered excellent service. His report is herewith forwarded. 

Before daylight, anticipating the withdrawl of the rebel force from the summit of 
the mountain, parties from several regiments w-ere despatched to scale it; but to the 
eighth Kentucky must forever belong the proud distinction of having been foremost to 
reach the crest, and at sunrise to display our honored emblem from the towering peak of 
Lookout, amid the wild and prolonged cheers of the stalwart men whose dauntless valor 
and resolution had raised it almost to the skies. 

During the night the enem.y had quietly abandoned the mountain, leaving behind 
twentv thousand rations, the camp and garrison equippage of three brigades, and other 
material. An impenetrable mist still covered the face of the vallej'. Prisoners reported 
that the enemy had abandoned it, but deemed it imprudent to descend ; a reconnoissance 
was ordered, and soon after 9 o'clock report came in that the rebels had left, but that 
their pickets still held the right bank of Chattanooga Creek in the direction of Ross- 
ville. Soon after the fog had vanished, and nothing was to be seen in the valley but the 
deserted and burning camp of the enemy. 

Among the fruits of the preceeding operations may be enumerated the concentia- 
tion of the armv, the abandonment of defences upwards of eight miles in extent, the re- 
covery of all the advantages in position the enemy had gained from our army on the 
bloody field of Chattanooga, giving to us the undisputable navigation of the river and 
the control of the railroad, the capture of between two and thousand prisoners, five 
stands of colors, two pieces of artillery- and upwards of five thousand muskets. 

Of the troops opposed to us were four brigades, all of Walker's division of Hardee's 
corps, a portion of Stewart's division of Breckinridge's corps; and on the top of the 
mountain Carlin's brigade was directed to await orders on the Summertown road, and 
at 10 o'clock my column, Osterhaus leading, (being nearest the road,) marched for 
Rossville. 

On arriving at Chattanooga Creek it w-as discovered that the enemv had destroyed 
the bridge, and in consequence our pursuit was delayed nearly three hours. As soon as 
the stringers were laid Osterhaus managed to throw over the twenty-seventh Missouri 
regiment, and soon after all of his infantry. The former deployed, pushed forward as 
skirmishers to the gorge in Tvlissronary Ridge, and drew a fire of the artillery and in- 
lantry holding it, and also discoveredthat the enemy was attempting to cover a train of 
■wagons loaded with stores at the Rossville house. 

As the position was one representing many advantages for defence, the skirmishers 
were directed to keep the enemy engaged in front while Wood's brigade was taking the 
ridge on the right, and four regiments of Williamson's on the left. Two other regi- 
ments of this brigade were posted on the road leading to Chattanooga to prevent sur- 
prise. In executing these duties the troops were necessarily exposed to the enemy's 
artillery; but as soon as it was discovered that his flanks were being turned, and his re- 
treat threatened, he hastily evacuated the gap, leaving behind large quantities of artill- 
ery and small-arm ammunition, wagons, ambulances, and a house full of commissary 
stores. Pursuit was made as far as consistent with my instructions to clear Missionary 
Ridge; meanwhile the bridge had been completed and all the troops over or crossing. 
Osterhaus received instructions to move with his division parallel with the ridge on the 
east, Cruft on the ridge, and Gearv in the valley to the west of it, within easy supporting 
distance. The batteries accompanied Geary, as it was not known that roads could be 
found for them with the other divisions w^ithout delaying the movements of the column. 

General Cruft with his staff, precceded his column in ascending the ridge to super- 
vise the formation of his lines, and was at once met by a line of the enemy's skirmishers 
advancing. The ninth and thirty-sixth Indiana regiments sprang forward, ran into line 
under their fire, and instantly charged and drove back these audicious rebels, while the 
residue of the column formed their lines, Gruss's brigade, with fifty-first Ohio and thirty- 



48 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 

tifth Indiana, of Whittakcr's, in advance, the balance of the latter closely supporting the 
front line. It was, however, soon found that the ridge, on top was too narrow to admit 
of this formation, and the division was thrown into four lines. By this tin'e the div- 
isions of CJearv and Osterhaus were abreast of it, and all advanced at a charging pace. 
The enemv had selected for his advanced line of defence the breastworks thrown up by 
our army on its return from Chickamauga,but such was the impetuosity of our advance 
that his front line was routed before an opportunity was afforded him to prepare for a deter- 
mineil resistance. Man\' of the fugitives, to escape, ran down the east slope to the line of 
Osterhaus, a few to the west, and were picked up by Geary. The bulk of them, however, 
sought refuge behind tlie second line, and they in their turn were soon routed, and the fight 
became almost a rimning one. Whenever the accidents of the ground enabled the rebels 
make an advantageous stand, (ieary and Osterhaus, always in the right place, would to 
pour a withering fire into their flank, and again the race was renewed. This continued 
imtil near sunset, when those of the enemy that had not been killed or captured, all gave 
way, and, in attempting to escape along the ridge, ran into the arms of Johnston's div- 
ision of the 14th corps and were captured. Our enemy, the prisoners stated, was Stew- 
art's division; but few escaped. Osterhaus alone captiux'd two thousand of them. This 
orticer names the foiu'th Iowa, seventv-sixth Ohio, and twenty-seventh Missouri regi- 
ments, as having been especially distinguished in this engagement. Landgraeber's 
battery of howitzers also rendered brilliant service on this field. Here our business for 
the day ended, and the troops went into bivouac, making the welkin ring with their 
cheers and rejoicings, which were caught up by other troops in the vicinity, and carried 
along the ridge, until lost in the distance. 

Soon after davlight every effort was made, by reconnoissance and inquiry, to ascer- 
tain the whereabouts of the enemy, to no purpose. Within our hearing the field was 
as silent as the grave. Knowing the desperate extremities to which he must be reduced 
by our success, with his retreat seriousl\' threatened by the only line left him, with a 
hope of success, I felt satisfied that he must be in full retreat, and accordingly suggested 
to the commander of the department that mv column be permitted to marvh to Gravs- 
ville, if possible, to intercept him. This was granted, and at the same time re-enforced 
by Palmer's corps, all moved immediately in that direction. Palmer's corps in advance. 

On arriving at the west fork of the Chickamauga River, it was found that the enemy 
had destroyed the bridge. To provide for this contingency, Major-General Butterfield, 
my chief of staff, with his habitual foresight, had in the morning persT)nally requested 
that three pontoons, with their balks and chesses, might be dispatched for m\- use ; but, as 
they had not come up, after a detention of several hoiu's a bridge was constructed for 
the infantry, the officers swimming their horses, and not until after three o'clock were the 
regiments able to commence crossing, leaving the artillery and ambulances to follow as 
soon as as practicable; also a regiment of infantry as a guard to complete the bridge, if 
possible, for the artillery to cross, and also to assist in throwing o^er the pontoon bridge 
as soon as it arrived. Partly in consequence of this delay, instructions were given for 
Palmer's command to continue on to Graysville, on reaching the Lafavette road, and for 
the balance of his command to proceed to Ringgold, Cruft now leading, as this would 
enable me to strike the railroad five or six miles to the south of where it was first in- 
ti?nded Palmer was to rejoin me in the morning. Soon after dark, word was received 
from Palmer, through a member bf his staff, that he had come up with the enemy, re- 
ported to be a battery and two or three thousand infantry. Instructions were sent him 
to attack them at once, and while forming his lines to the left for that purpose, the re- 
maining part of the column was massed as it came up to the right of the road, and held 
awaiting the movements of Palmer. His enemy was discovered to be a batterv of three 
pieces with small escort, and was the rear of the rebel army on the road from Gravsville 
to Ringgold. Three pieces of artillery were captured, and subsequently an additional 
piece, with, I believe, a few prisoners. I have received no report from this officer of his 
operations, while belonging to my command, although mine has been delaved six weeks 
in waiting. We were now fairly up with the enemy. At ten o'clock at night, Cruft's 
division advanced and took possession of the crest of Chickamauga hills, the enemy's 
abandaned camp fires-still burning brightly on the side; and we all went into bivouac. 

My artillery was not yet up, and, in this connection, I desire that the especial atten- 
tion of the commander of the department may be called to that part of the report of 
General Osterhaus which relates to the conduct of the officers who had the pontoon 
bridge in charge. I do not know the names of the officers referred to. I was not fur- 
nished with a copy of their instructions, nor did they report to me. The pontoons were 
not brought forward to the point of crossing at all, and the balk and chessplanks onlv 
reached their destination between nine and ten o'clock p. m. distance from Chattanooga 
ten miles, and the roads excellent. Three tressels had to be framed, and the bridge was 
not finished until six o'clock the following morning. The report of Lieutenant H. C. 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 49 

Wharton, of the engineers, and temporally attached to my staff, who was left behind to 
hasten the completion of the bridge, is herewith transmitted. No better commentary on 
this culpable negligence is needed than is furnished by the record of our operations in the 
vicinity of Ringgold. The town was distant five miles. At daylight the pursuit was 
renewed, Osterhaus in the advance, Geary following, and Cruft in the rear. Evidences 
of the precipitate flight of the enemy were apparent; caissons, wagons, ambulances, arms 
and ammunition were abandoned in the confusion and hurry of retreat. After going 
about two miles we came up with the camps he had occupied during the night, the fires 
still burning. A goodly number of prisoners were also taken before reaching the east 
fork of the Chickamauga River. We found the ford, and also the bridge to the south of 
Ringgold, held by a body of rebel cavalry. These discharged their arms and quickly 
gave way before a handful of our men, and were closely pursued into the town. I rode 
to the front on hearing the firing, where I found Osterhaus out with his skirmishers, in- 
tensely alive to all that was passing, and pushing onward briskly. He informed me that 
four pieces of artillery had just left the rebel camp, weakly escorted, and ran into the 
gorge, which he could have easily captured with a small force of cavalry. The gorge is 
to the east of Ringgold, and we were approaching it from the west. A little firing 
occurred between our skirmishers, as they entered the town, and small parties of the 
rebel cavalry and infantry, the latter 'retiring in the direction of the gap. This is a 
break in Taylor's Ridge of suflicient width for the river to flow through, and on its north 
bank room for an ordinary road and railroad, when the ridge rises with abruptness on 
both sides four or five hundred feet, and then from thence, running nearly north and 
south continues unbroken for many miles; covering the entrance to it is a small patch of 
young trees and undergrowth. 

It was represented by the citizens friendly to the cause of the Union, and confirmed 
by contrabands, that the enemy had passed through Ringgold sorely pressed, his animals 
exhausted, and the army hopelessly demoralized. In a small portion of it only had the 
officers been able to preserve regimental and company formations, many of the men 
having thrown away their arms, a still greater number more open and violent in their 
denunciations of the confederacy ; and, in order to gain time, it was the intention of the 
rear guard to make use of the natural advantages the gorge presented to check the pur- 
suit. The troops relied on for this were posted behind the mountain and the trees, and 
the latter were also used to mask a couple of pieces of artillery. Onlv a feeble line of 
skirmishers appeared in sight. The only way to ascertain the enemy's strength was to 
feel of him, and as our success, if prompt, would be crowned with a rich harvest in the 
trophies and spoils of war, without awaiting for my artillery, (not yet up, though after 
nine o'clock,) the skirmishers advanced. Wood deployed his brigade in rear of them, 
under cover of the embankment of the railroad, and a brisk musketry fire commenced 
between the skirmishers; at the same time the enemy kept his artillerv busily at work. 
Their skirmishers were driven in, and as we had learned the position of the batterv, the 
thirteenth Illinois regiment, from the right of Wood's line, was thrown forward to seize 
some houses from which their gunners could be picked off by our men. These were 
heroically taken and held by that brave regiment. Apprehensive that he might lose his 
artillerv, the enemy advanced with a superior force on our skirmishers, and they fell 
back behind Wood's line, when that admirable ofiicer opened on the rebels and drove 
them into the gorge, leaving their dead and wounded on the ground, our skirmishers at 
once occupying their line, the thirteenth Illinois all the time maintaining its position 
with resolution and obstinacy. 

Simultaneous with these operations in front of the gorge, Osterhaus detached four 
regiments under Colonel Williamson, half a mile to the left, to ascend the ridge and turn 
the enemy's right. Two of them, the seventy-sixth Ohio, supported by the fourth Iowa, 
were thrown forward, and, as the enemy apreared in great force when they had nearly 
gained the crest, Geary ordered four of his regiments still further to the left, under 
Colonel Creighton, for the same object, where they found an overwhelming force con- 
fronting them. Vigorous attacks were made by both of these colunms, in 'Ahich the 
troops exhibited extraordinary daring and devotion, but were compelled to yield to 
numerical superiority, the first to take shelter in a depression in the side of the ridge, 
about fifty paces in rear of their most advanced position, and there remain. The other 
column was ordered to resume their position on the railroad. All the parties sent for- 
ward to ascertain the enemy's position and strength were small ; but the attacks had been 
made with so much vigor, and succeeded so well in their object, that I deemed it unwise 
to call up the commands of Palmer and Cruft and the remaining brigade of Gear}' to 
deliver a general attack without my artillery, and accordingly gave instructions for no 
advance to be made, and for the firing to he discontinued except in self-defence. These 
orders were conveyed and delivered to every oflicer in command on our advanced line. 
Word was received from General Wood that appearances in his front were indicative of 



50 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 

a forward movement on the part of the'enemy, when Ireland's brigade of Geary's div- 
ision was sent to strcnijtlien him ; Cohham's britjade, of the same division, took a well 
slieltcred jiosition behind the knoll midway behind the dejiot and the opening to the gap. 
These otlicers were also ordered not to attaek or to fire, imless it shoidd become 
necessary. 

I niav here state, that the greatest dinicnlty I experienced with my new command, 
and the one that caused me the most solicitude, w-as to check and curb their disposition 
to engage, regardless of circumstances, and it appeared almost of conseqcences. This 
was the case on Lookout Moimtain, on Missionary Ridge, and at Ringgold. Despite iny 
emphatic and repeated instructions to the contrary, a desolutory fire was kept up on the 
right of the line until the artillery aj-ri\ed; and I see by the reports of the commanders, 
that imder cover of elevated groimd between my position and our right, several small 
parties advanced to capture the enemy's battery and harass his Hank at the gap. It is 
with no dissatisfaction that I refer to these circumstances in evidence of the spirit anima- 
ting the troops, and with no feeling of resentment, for oi that I was disarmed by the 
abiding remembrance of their glorious ser\ices and achievements. It has ne\'er been 
my fortune to serve with more zealous and devoted troops, 

J5etween tweheand one o'clock the artillery Cjime up, not having been able to cross 
the west fork of the Chickamauga until eight o'clock. On the morning of the 27th, 
under my acting chief of artillery. Major Reynolds, in conjunction with Generals Geary 
and Osterhaus, one section of 24-pounder howitzers was placed in position to bear on the 
enemy and to enfilade the gap, another section of lo-pounder Parrotts to silence the en- 
emy's battery and one section further to the left to bear on some troops held in mass in 
front of Geary's regiments. At the same time a regiment of Cruft's division had been 
sent around to the bridge to cross the Chickamauga, and, if possible, to gain the heights 
of the ridge on the south side of the river, the possession of which wovdd give us a 
plunging tire upon the enemy in the gorge. Two companies had nearly gained the sum- 
mit when they were recalled. The artillery had opened with marked effect. The rebel 
guns were hauled to the rear, his troops seen moving, and before one o'clock he was in 
full retreat, ^^'illiamson's brigade followed him over the mountain, while skirmishers 
from the sixtieth and one hundred and second New York regiments pursued through 
the gap. Efforts were made to burn the railroad bridges, but the rebels were driven 
from them and the fires extinguished. During the artillery firing the major-general 
commanding the division of the Mississippi arrived and gave directions for the pursuit 
to be discontinued. Later in the day, soon after three o'clock, I received instructions 
from him to have a reconuoissance made in the direction of Tunnel Hill, the enemy's 
line of retreat, for purposes of observation, and to convey to the enemy the impression 
that we were still after him.' Gross's brigade was dispatched on this service. About two 
miles out he ran upon a small force of rebel cavalry and infantry, and pursued them 
about a mile and a half, when he fell upon what he supposed to be a di\ision of troops 
posted on the hills commanding the road. The brigade returned about eight o'clock and 
"went into bivouac. Colonel Gross's report in this connection concludes by saying "that 
we found broken caissons, wagons, ambulances, dead and dying men of the enemy, 
strewn along the way to a horrible extent." 

As some misapprehension appears to exist with regard to our losses in this battle, it 
is proper to observe that the reports of my division commanders exhibit a loss of sixty- 
five (65) killed, and three hundred and seventy-seven (377) wounded — about one-half of 
the latter so severely that it was necessary to have them conveyed to the hospital for 
proper treatment. They also show of the enemy killed and left on the field, one hundred 
and thirty, (130.) Of his ^vounded we had no means of ascertaining, as only those 
severely hurt remained, and they filled every house by the w\'iyside as far as our troops 
penetrated. A few of our wounded men fell into the enemy's hands, but were soon re- 
taken. We captured two hundred and thirty (230) prisoners and two flags, to make no 
mention of the vast amount of property and materials that fell into our hands. Adding 
to the number of prisoners and killed, as above stated, the lowest estimated proportion of 
wounded to killed usual in battle, would make the losses of the enemy at least three to our 
one. 

From this time the operations of the "right wing," as it was called, became subor- 
dinate to those of the column marching to the relief of the garrison at Knoxville. 

Instructions reached me from the headquarters of the military division to remain at 
Ringgold during the 29th and 30th, unless it should be found practicable to advance to- 
wards Dalton without fighting a battle, the object of my remaining, as stated, being to 
protect Sherman's flank, with authority to attack or move on Dalton should the enemy 
move up the Dalton and Cleveland road. In retreating, the enemy had halted a portion 
of his force at '^\innel Hill, midway between Ringgold and Dalton, and as he evinced no 
disposition to molest Sherman, my command rested at Ringgold. I was kept fully a.d- 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 51 



vised of the rebel movements, through the activity and daring of the second Kentuckv 
cavah-j. They joined me on the 28th. 

* *** * * * * * * 

I have the honor to be, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JOSEPH HOOKER, 
Major- (ieneral Commanding. 
Brigadier-General William D. Whipple, 

Assistant-Afy'uhuit General Army of the Cumberland. 



EXTRACT FROM THE OFFICIAL REPORT OF MAJOR-GENERAL 

O. O. HOWARD. 

Headquarters iith Corp.s 
Lookout Valley, Tenn., December 18, 1863. 

Captain : I have the honor to report to the General upon the commanding opera- 
tions of this corps during the battle of Chattanooga, and during the march that followed, 
until its return to camp. * * * * 

In accordance with instructions received through your headquarters, the infantry, 
with three batteries, left this point at i p. m., November 22d ultimo. 

The remaining two batteries (Waderich's battery, I, first New York, and Heck- 
man's, K, first Ohio,) were left behind and established under General Hooker's direc- 
tions. The}' participated to some extent in the glorious work of getting possession of 
Lookout Mountain. 

My original instructions contemplated placing the nth corps in reserve on the pen- 
insula between the bridges of Brown's ferry and Chattanooga, in order to act Avith Gen- 
eral Thomas, at Chattanooga, or with General Sherman, as the exigencies of the battle 
should determine. Subsequent instructions from your headquarters, dated November 
22, directed me to cross the pontoon bridge at Brown's ferry, at 2 p. m. of that day, and 
move thence to Chattanooga direct. 

This change, as I understand, was based on the report of the chief engineer of the 
department that it was practicable to re-enforce Sherman along the south bank of the 
Tennessee without trusting to the trecherous pontoons. 

The north bank of the river is high and intermediate between the Chattanooga 
bridge and the point three (3) miles above, selected for Sherman's crossing, is a promi- 
nent knowl in the river bank, which overlooks the broad interval on the other shore, 
spread out between the heights of Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge. 

The ridge springs from the interval land between the Chickamauga and the Ten- 
nessee, and stretches off for miles in a southwesterly direction, leaviri^ the Chickamauga 
■on the left. I sent a battery (Wheeler's, thirteenth New York) to the knowl described. 
He commanded all the low ground as far as his guns would reach, and in conjunc- 
tion with Fort Wood, situated on the south bank and near to Chattanooga, prevented any 
large force from occupying such points as might separate Sherman from the main body. 
My remaining force, about six thousand strong, moved over the bridge into Chattanoo- 
ga, and took post to the right of Fort Wood. The rebel signal officer's report from 
Lookout, read by one of our officers, was that a large force apparently a corps, had 
passed into Chattanooga. This, taken in connection with the fact that General Sher- 
man's troops had been and were still passing along Lookout valley, now in plain view 
and now hidden by hills, makes it probable that Bragg took my force for a part of Sher- 
man's, and therefore was in doubt as to the principal point of attack, if, indeed, he 
believed yet that my attack at all was intended. 

Bad roads, and perhaps other unforseen hinderances, delayed the march of the 
troops that were to operate on our left, so that Sunday night, November 22, the general 
movement intended for the morrow was, postponed. I received this order direct from 
General Thomas and also through your headquarters. My command remained during 
the night as posted. 

Monday, November 23, deserters reported that the enemy intended to retreat, and 
some deserted camps visible from Fort Wood gave rise to the rumor that the retreat had 
begun. During the morning a reconnoissance was ordered.General Granger's corps being 
selected to make the movement and mine held in readiness for support. 

At I p. m. General Granger deployed to the east and south of Fort Wood, facing 
toward Missionary Ridge. The enemy on the right and on the few high intermediate 
points were gazing on the magnificent display, and apparently without thinking that so 
line a parade without any attempt at concealment was a demonstration against them. 



52 BAITLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



As soon as formed, the lines moved briskly forward, driving in the enemy's outposts 
and takinij Orchard Knob, a small bill, little more than half-way to the ridge and one 
mile south from the 'IV'iiricssce. The enemy iiad here a small epaulemeni for two guns 
aTui rillc jiits. Duriiu^ this <)|ierati()n 1 liad, by (jeneral Thomas's direction, sent a bat- 
teiv (company A, fourth regular) to the next height, (Hrush Hill,) southeast of Fort 
Wood, nearlyOpposite the centre of Granger's line. Afterwards, during the battle, the 
battery was "moved forward to Sheridan's front line, on (jranger's right, having been 
rejilaced by Dilger's, company I, first Ohio. Lieutenant Mickle, commanding the regu- 
lar batter\" was highly complimented for good firing General Grant determined to hold 
Orcliard Knob. A creek, the Citico, having two small branches, bends around i.i the 
low groiimi, its general direction northwest, and flows into the Tennessee half a mile 
nortii of Fort \Vood. The western branch jiasses near Orchard Knob. I was directed 
to move up to this creek, covering the approaches to Granger's left. The land near the 
creek was for the most part co\ered with woods. Major-General Schurtz, with his divis- 
i<m of infantry, was ordered to take the right of this line, and General Steinwehr, with 
his division, the left. The two divisions were deployed with great promptitude. The 
skirmishers were more or less engaged as they advanced along the entire line, and quite 
briskly in Steinwehr's division. The latter had, (mainly in the thirty-third New Jersey^ 
here for the first time engaged, and with credit) three killed and about twenty wounded. 
General Schurz's, one killed and twelve wounded. The enemy was forced back beyond 
the creek, and the line occupied as directed. This ended the engagement of the first day 
of the battle. The troops threw up slight breastworks during the night and next morn- 
ing. From the map it will be noticed that the Atlanta railroad, passing south of Fort 
V/ood, runs northeast nearly parallel with the river. The East Tennessee railroad, pass- 
ing north of Fort Wood, crosses the other before entering the tunnel through Mission- 
ary Ridge. My line cut both of these woods, and its left rested just across the .Citico, on 
the river. At 9 a. m. of the 24th, General Steinwehr, bv my direction, moved the sev- 
enty-third Ohio regiment across the Citico, near its mouth, which, deploying nearly at 
right angles to the general line, handsomely cleared our immediate front as far as the 
East Tennessee Railroad. As there was ditficulty in re-crossing the creek, the regiment 
was halted in this position and served as a cover to a movement that shortly took place. 

General Sherman had now effected a crossing of the Tennessee just below the 
mouth of South Chickamauga. I was directed to open communication with him by a 
brigade. General Steinwehr detailed Colonel Buschbeck's, which I accompanied in per- 
son, with a small escort of cavalry. Some skirmishing occurred on our right, and think- 
ing we might meet some resistance from that quarter, Krizanowski's brigade of General 
Schurz's pi\ision was brought forward as a support. Very little opposition being made,, 
the junction with Sherman was effected just as he was placing the last boat of the 
bridge. Already two of his divisions had been thrown over in boats and had covered 
their bridge by a line of breastworks. From this place to the north end of ^Missionary 
Ridge the distance is a mile and a half, the ground mostly low and undulating. The 
General pointed out the hill he should first attempt to secure. He requested me to allow 
Colonel Buschbeck's brigade to remain and skirniish on his right, while he advanced 
towaizd the ridge The brigade was ordered to remain ; I then returned to my corps by 
the route we had come. Believing Colonel Krizanowski could take care ot his brigade, 
situated as he was under the cover of Wheeler's t uns from the opposite shore, I con- 
cluded to leave him on the northeast side of the Citico to keep open the communication 
along the river with Buschbeck's brigade. During this march and while returning 
heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of Lookout Mountain, and at 5:20 p. m. 
we were cheered with the news that General Hooker had carried the heights and secured 
the eastern slope of the mountain. Dilger's Ohio battery had been sent to the Chatta- 
nooga creek, and fired effectively, preventing a movement of the enemy between Hooker 
and Palmer, and covering the building of a pontoon bridge across the creek. 

Early in the morning of the 25th I issued an order to mv divisions, in accordance 
with General Thomas's instructions, to conform to the movements of General Sherinan 
as he moved forward along the ridge. I was to advance and complete my connection 
with him. In order to effect this, after hearing that he had reached the tunnel of the 
East Tennessee railroad, I directed General Stemwehr to push forward his left till it 
rested on this railroad, which he accomplished with very little opposition. During the 
whole morning, from daylight, the enemy were seen marching along the crest of Mis- 
sionary Ridge toward General Steinwehr's position. 

At 9.45 a. m. an order was received by me to march towards General Sherman, 
looking out well for my right flank. An aide from General Grant urged me to hasten, 
as General Sherman needed re-enforcements. 

At 10.45 a. m. my head of column arrived at the pontoon bridge, where I halted 
and massed mv troops, starting to report in person to General Sherman. He sent me 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 53 

the order through Lieutenant-Colonel Mejsenburg, of my staff, and afterwards repeated 
it to me, to take post on his left, closing a space that had just been left vacant by troops 
that had been pushed further to the right in support of the main attack along the ridge. 

The corps was placed as directed, its left resting on Chickamauga creek, near Boyce's 
Station, and its front well covered by a good line of skirmishers. The right rested high 
up the ridge on a work constructed and occupied by a part of General Blair's corps. 
Here again my troops covered themselves with breastworks. The report that General 
Sherman had reached the tunnel was premature. Instead of finding a continued ridge 
of land, as one would suppose looking from Chattanooga, that portion of Missionary Ridge 
north of the East Tennessee railroad is broken into transverse ridges with deep ravines 
between them. 

The enemy's troops had possession of the first ridge or hill north of the Tennessee 
on my arrival, and a fierce contest was going on between them and tJie attacking party 
for its possession. 

Colonel Buschbeck's brigade, or rather a part of it, as General Steinwehr had 
detained two of his regiments with him, was bearing a part of this action. Having been 
assigned to General Ewing, this brigade went into action with that of Colonel Loomis 
of Ewing's division; The conduct of the twenty-seventh Pennsylvania, under Lienten- 
ant-Colonel McAloon, was most highly complimented. 

The main attack was along the crest of the ridge, and Colon\;l Loomis was trying 
to support it by a movement from the front. McAloon actually led his regiment up 
that steep acclivity, five or six hundred feet high, under a terrific lire of grape and mus- 
ketry, and staid there until he was mortally wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Taft behaved 
with equal intrepidity with the seventy-third Pennsylvania, until he was killed. His 
troops drove the enemy from some buildings and held them. Subsequently, after his 
death, some of his company commanders culpably allowed themselves and many of 
their men to be taken by the enemy. It is alleged, in excuse for them, they had exhaust- 
ed their ammunition ; that Colonel Loomis left their flank exposed and their position was 
turned. General Sherman did not succeed in dislodging the enemy, but these vigorous 
assaults served to accumulate against us a heavy force and thus weakened other portions 
of the enemy's line. 

It is due to the true-hearted men who nobly sacrificed their lives at this point, 
or who are now suffering from painful wounds, that their names and their regiments 
should not be overlooked. They contributed all they could to the grand result. News 
arrived in the evening that General Thomas had carried Missionary Ridge by direct 
assault, that General Hooker had moved to Rossville and got upon the enerriy's left 
flank, and that the enemy was in full retreat. 

The enemy left our front during the night. The battle of Chattanooga was over 
and it was a success. The news spread like wild-fire and the Chickamauga hills echoed 
with our soldiers' victorious cheers. By direction of General Sherinan, about 5 a. m. of 
the 26th, the corps crossed the Chickamauga near its mouth by a pontoon bridge already 
there and proceeded towards Chickamauga station, ascending the crfeek. At 7 a. m. we 
overtook Davis's division that crossed in the night; the fog was so dense that you could 
not discern a horse at a hundred yards. 

General Davis reported to me on my arrival as the senior officer. I desired him to 
keep the lead and make his own dispositions. We pushed forward carefully till the fog 
cleared away, being delayed somewhat by reports that the enemy was moving in force 
towards our left. We reached Chickamauga station at 12 m., Davis's advance skirmish- 
ing with the enemy. Two seige guns, about a thousand bushels of corn, ten pontoons, 
and considerable flour were captured here ; large quantities of flour and corn were burn- 
ing when we arrived. General Sherman joined us at this point, and the pursuit was 
continued. Just before dark Davis's advance came upon the enemy's rear guard, posted 
in the further edge of a small opening in a forest, some three miles this side of Greys- 
ville. Two brigades were deployed and soon succeeded in dislodging and driving this 
force. In the mean time I had brought up my command and posted Steinwehr's divis- 
ion on Davis's right, and massed Schurtz's division in reserve. We encamped at this 
point. 

November 27, march resumed at 6 a. m. At Greysville I met Generals Palmer and 
Sherman, and learned that General Hooker's column was already on the way to Ring- 
gold. I was directed to move on the north side of the Chickamauga, and, if 
possible, reach the railroad between Dalton and Cleveland. I found that the best 
practicable route on that side of the creek lead through Parker's gap, so that I marched 
thither. After passing the gap, I detached two brigades, one from General Steinwehr, 
or rather from Colonel Buschbeck's, (General Steinwehr, owing to sickness, having left 
us at Greysville,) and another (Hecker's) from General Schurtz. These brigades and a 
section of Dilger's battery, under command of Colonel Orland Smith, marched on to 



BATTLES OV CHATTANOOGA. 



the railroad. Mv aide-de-camp, Major C. W. Howard, with a squad of cavalry, accom- 
liaiiicd tlic expedition. The remainder of Schurtz's division (Tyndale's and Krizanow, 
>ki's hri<,^ides) were moved forward two miles, the better to support Colonel Smith, if 
reiiuired. Colonel Smith's orders were to proceed to Red Clay, destroy as much as we 
could of the railroad, and, if possible, return the same night. This work was done, and 
well done. A rebel olficer, having despatches from Kelley's cavalry division at Cleve- 
land to Hragg, and a few other prisoners were captured. Some three miles of railroad 
track were torn up, the sleepers burnt, and the rails bent by the fire. Three. cars and 
the depot building were destroyed. The brigades then returned to Parker's gap, rejiort- 
ing to their commands between IJ and i at night. They had made a continuous march 
of twentv-seven ( Jj) miles, besides this extra work at the railroad. This operation pre- 
\ented for the present the possibility of Longstreet joining Bragg by railroad, and it 
equallv prevented the passage of any re-enforcements from Bragg to Longstreet. 

The pursuit of the enemy had now ended. We had in possession about loo prison- 
ers gathered on the march. The next morning the order was issued that the corp& 
should rest one day, and afterw-ards return to Chattanooga. That afternoon General 
Sherman made know to me that General Grant had instructed him to move to the Ilia- 
wassee, to operate against Longstreet. lie wanted his entire column, and issued orders 
to me accordindly, designating the route I should take. The rest of the day and night 
was therefore spent in preparation. ********* 

Very respectfully. 



Captain H. W, Perkins, 

A. A. Gen. nth a?id i2tli Corps. 



O. A. HOWARD, 

Major General. 



REPORT OF COLONEL ELI LONG CONCERNING CAVALRY 

OPERATIONS. 

Headquarter-s Second Brigade, Second Division of Cavalry, 

Near Chattanoog.'\, November 28, 1863 

Sir: In obedience to directions received I have the honor to report as follows in 
refereilce to the late expedition to Cleveland, Tennessee. 

The first point at which I struck the Cleveland and Chattanooga railroad to do it 
damage was at Tvner's station, ^\ here a considerable portion of the track was torn up. 
The next place was about fifteen (15) miles this side of Cleveland, where a small piece of 
trestle-work over culvert was burned and track torn up. At Oultawah another taestle 
was burned and the track destroyed for some distance. Five (5) miles this side of Cleve- 
land, and at several places between that and Cleveland, the road was destroyed to con- 
siderable extent. 

On the Cleveland and Dalton railroad tlie rails were torn up in numerous places for 
a distance of ten ( 10) miles out of Cleveland. The Cleveland and Charleston road was 
damaged in quite a number of places from Cleveland to within one and a half (iK) niile 
of Charleston. 

The points at which the track was destroyed on the latter two roads cannot be well 
particularized, as there were no large bridges or culverts destroyed which would specify 
the localities. The only large culverts and bridges I saw on any of the roads were built 
of stone and could not Ije readily- destroyed 

The first road I travelled after leaving Chattanooga was the dirt road to Cleveland 
which runs alongside the railrcjad. This road has been much travelled and is in bad con- 
dition, and would soon become impracticable to heavily loaded wagons in the present 
weather. It runs in some places through gorges and canons with abrupt hills on each side. 
I travelled for some eight (8) miles on a road nearly parallel to this, and from two to 
four miles to the right, which runs, I think, direct from Chickamauga station to Cleve- 
land. This is somewhat better than the last mentioned road. 

Retiu-ning from Cleveland I came through Harrison on a good dirt road all the way 
not much travelled. The country is generally good, in an agricultural point of view, but 
most of the forage has been already consuined. There is, however, enough left to sup- 
ply a command for a short time ; more of long than short forage. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

ELI LONG, 
George K. Leet, Col. Qoni\lir Second Brigade., Second Cavalry Division. 

Assistant Adj. General Mil. Div. of the Mississippi. 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



REPORT OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL WILLIAM B. BATE, C. S. ARMY 

COMMANDING BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION, HINDMAN'S CORPS, 

OF BATTLE OF MISSIONARY RIDGE, TENN. 

Headqvarter's Breckinridge's Division, 

Near Dalton, Ga., December 14, 1863. 

Colonel: In obedience to general orders, No. 17, dated Headquarters Breckinridge's 
Corps, December 4, 1863, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part 
taken by Breckinridge's division in the battle of Missionary Ridge on November 25th: 

The division I had the honor to command in the recent engagement near Chatta- 
nooga, Tenn., (known as- Breckinridge's division,) was composed of Brigadier-General 
J. H. Lewis' (Kentucky) brigade, Brigadier-General J, J. Finlev's (Florida) brigade, and 
Bate's brigade, composed of Georgians and Tennesseeans, commanded bv Colonel R. 
C. Tyler, and a battalion of artillery, commanded by Captain [Robt,] Cobb, and com- 
posed of Captains Cobb's, [C. H.] Slocomb's, and [J.W.] Mebane's batteries. 

Lewis' brigade, by order from Army Headquarters, was withdrawn from Chicka- 
mauga station on the evening of November 23d to a point on Missionary Ridge between 
the headquarters of General Bragg and Major- General Breckinridge.' On the same 
evening, when the enemy advanced and took possession of the knoll, or orchard hill, 
capturing pickets on my right, the two brigades commanded by Brigadier-General Fin- 
ley and Colonel R. C. Tyler, then encamping at the base of Missionarv Ridge in front 
of the headquarters of Major-General Breckinridge, were ordered under arms and in the 
tienches. Assistance being called for on the right. Colonel Tyler was ordered to report 
with his command to Brigadier-General [PattonJ Anderson as a temporarv supporting 
force. He returned after dark to his designated place in the trenches, with the loss of i 
man killed and 3 Avounded. 

Thus located, the entire command remained during the 24th without participating in 
any of the operations of that day. In the early part of that night I was directed by 
Major-General Breckinridge to move my command to the summk of the ridge imme- 
diately in rear of the place I then occupied. This I did by sending the artillerv, under 
command of Captain Slocomb, via Rossville, moving the "infantry directlv up the hill as 
was contemplated in the order effecting the change. 

About 12 o'clock at night I received an order from Corps Headquarters to send 
Lewis' brigade to report to Major-General Cleburne, on the right, which was promptly 
done. 

Daylight on the morning of the 25th found the two remaining brigades of the divis- 
ion on the crest of the ridge, Tyler's right resting at General Bragg's "headquarters and 
Finlev's prolonging the line to the left, while the enemy like a huge serpent uncoiled 
his massive folds into shapely lines in our immediate front. Fatigue parties were de- 
tailed and put to work on the defenses which Lewis had commenced on the day pre- 
vious. The comma.nd having stacked arms in line of battle a short distance back from 
the brow of the hill, secure from the shells that occasionally greeted us, and which met 
a prompt replication from Slocomb's and Cobb's batteries — the former near the centre 
and the latter the right of my line — this reply annoyed and checked a line ad\ancing on 
our left oblique, and relieved from the peril of capture our pickets, yet in the advanced 
trenches. Requisition having been made in accordance with orders from Corps Head- 
quarters to furnish iSo men, with compliment of field and line-officers, as a picket force 
to confront the enemy along our immediate line, the ist Florida Regiment (dismounted 
cavalry) and the 4th Florida Regiment, both small, were detailed for this duty on the 
24th, and Major [J M.] Wall, of the 15th and 37th Tennessee Regiments, as division offi- 
cer of the day. 

The pressure of the enemy on our front on the morning of the 25th ultimo forbid 
the relief of this force, and hence it remained on that da\' ; the officer of the day was sub- 
stituted by Lieutenant-Colonel [E.J Badger, of tiie 4th Florida. By repeated application 
from the front, representing the picket force there without support on the left, and re- 
membering the misfortunes of the 23d in the picket line to our right, I was induced upon 
consultation with the corps commander to send the 7th Florida Regiment as a reserve to 
our picket line. This little force under the frown of such a horrid front remained defiant, 
and in obedience to orders mana-uvred handsomely amid the peril of capture until by or- 
der it found a lodgement in the trenches at the foot of Missionary Ridge, with its right rest- 
ing at Moore's house, on the left of the 60th Nortli Carolina Regiment, (of Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Revnolds' command,) and its left adjoining the command of Brigadier-General Strahl's 
at a new redoubt, where the main line of defense di\erges in the direction of Lookout 
Mountain. Knowing the disad\antage under which the line strung out without reserves 
on the summit of the ridge would labor in resisting with a plunging fire (no other could 



50 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 

be sjiven) the advaiue of throe stiont^ lines, I ordered that it hold the trenches at all haz- 
ards. To s^ive them up was to i^ive the eneinv shelter behind them, if he chose to stop 
there, or to pursue rapidly up the hill under cover of our retirinjif line and gain a lodg- 
ment with init little resistance. I give the above interjectional sentence because the 
obedience of this order may have resulted in the capture of brave and obedient soldiers. 

About I p. m. I was ordered by my corps commander to remove the division by the 
right flank until its right should rest on the left of Brigat'.ier General Patton Anderson's 
line. In the execution of the order I found Adams' brigade, of Stewart's division, (Col- 
onel [R. L.| Gibson commanding,) extended on the left of General Anderson's line with 
a brigade space between. I communicated this fact through Cajitain |(j. W.] McCawley, 
li mv staff, to General Breckinridge, and desired to know if in the adjustment of my line 
this brigade was to be regarded as a part of Anderson's line. I was answered in the 
affirmative and so made mv dispositions. In a few moments, however, I received a 
message from General Breckinridge directing me to report in person to him at General 
Bragg^s headquarters, which I did. General Breckinridge was in the act of going 
towards Rossville, and directed me to General Bragg, who gave instructions to let my 
left rest on the Crutchtield road where it crossed the hill, as (ieneral Anderson wanted 
space on his left for Revnolds' brigade in case it was retired from the trenches, a fact 
which General Anderson had made known to me through Captain McCawley, of my 
staff, and Captain [F S.| Parker, [Jr.,] of General Bragg's staff. My right had under the 
previous order arrived nearly to the left of General Anderson's brigade, commanded by 
Colonel [W. F.] Tucker, when the countermanding order caused a left flank movement 
until the left of Finlev's brigade rested on the Crutchfield road. Cobb's (Kentucky) bat- 
terv had been detached in the forenoon by General Breckinridge, and by his order de- 
tained on the left of General Bragg's quarters in the line subsequently occupied by 
Adams' brigade, of Stewart's division ; Slocomb's was on an eminence near my right, 
and Mebane's near the centre of my line. The temporary earthworks thrown up at these 
points was a hindrance to the successful use of the pieces, they being too close to the 
crest of the hill to admit of being placed in front of them, and being necessarily in rear 
could not be sufficiently depressed to command the slope of the hill in front. The emi- 
nence on which Slocomb's battery was placed projected beyond the general western 
slope of the ridge, with a slight depression on the right, which gave the advantage of an 
enfilading fire in that direction. From the top of the ridge to the intrenchments at the 
foot is 600 or 800 yards, and beyond this an open field of about 900 yards in width. 

When ordered to mo\e to the right at i o'clock I sent a staff-officer to bring that 
part of Finlev's command in the trenches to the ridge to rejoin his brigade. The order 
was given and the troops commenced ascending the hill, but upon making the fact 
known to General Breckinridge he directed it to remain. When we changed locality 
our relative position to this command was changed, our left on the ridge not reaching to 
a point opposite its right at Moore's house. 

As to the part taken by this command in the trenches I respectfully refer to the 
reports of the division officer of the day , Lieutenant-Colonel Badger, and other officers 
commanding it. 

Hindman's division, commanded by Brigadier-General Anderson, w^as on my right, 
and Major-General Stewart's division on my left. These dispositions having been made, 
we awaited the onset of the foe, who seemed confidently resting as a giant in his strength 
on the plain below, while volleys on the right told of conflict being waged. 

About 3 or 4 p. m. the enemy initiated a movement along my entire front by 
advancing a heavy line of skirmishers, followed by two unbroken lines of battle, with 
heavy reserves at intervals. But a slight resistance was gi\en to this advance by 
the troops of Reynold's brigade, in the trenches in our immediate front. They aban- 
doned the ditches on the approach of the enemy's skirmishers and sought refuge at the 
top of the hill, breaking and throwing into slight confusion the left of Finley's brigade 
as thev jiassed through. Major (Jas. T.) Wea\er, of the 60th North Carolina regiment, 
seemed to be in command. He rallied and formed these troops (who seemed to be from 
two or three different regiments of Reynold's brigade) across the Crutchfield road a few 
paces in rear of the main line. A well-directed and effective fire ha\ing been opened 
on the advancing line, handsomely repulsed it, throwing a portion of it behind our 
vacated trenches and precipitating others on their second line, which, being out of range 
of small arms, I ordered the firmg to cease and the line to fall back a few paces to replen- 
ish ammunition and give the artillery an imobstructed sweep. This was executed coolly 
and without confusion. I took occasion during this interval to push a few sharpshooters 
forward in the decli\ity of the hiil in front of the smoke as vedettes. Order was soon 
restored in the ranks of the enemy and another onward mo%ement made in systematic 
and defiant style. My infantry was again advanced to the verge of the ridge and open- 
ed a spirited fire, which was constantly replied to. DiuMng this charge my attention was 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



called to some scattered troops a few hundred yards to my right, making their way, ap- 
parently \yithout resistance, to the top of the" hill. Belieying them to be Confederates 
falling back from the trenches, I forbade my right firing upon them and sent a staff offi- 
cer to ascertain Avho they \yere. Upon receiving the answer I directed upon them a 
right oblique fire of infantry and artillery from the right of Tyler's command. It drove 
him to his left, but did not check his ascent of the ridge. In a few moments I saw a 
flag waving at the point in the line of General Anderson's division, be\ond the depres- 
sion in the ridge, where a section of artillery of Dent's battery had been firing and was 
then located. I thought it a Confederate flag, but (on) a nearer approach and more 
minute inspection I soon detected the United States colors. The line in my front had 
recoiled a second time, but was rallied and was advancing up the hill in such numbers 
as to forbid the displacing. of any of my command. I was ordered by General Bragg to 
withdraw a portion of my command and dislodge him if possible ; but upon suggesting 
that I was without reserves, and the danger of withdrawing when so hard pressed on the 
front, which would necessarily cause a gap in my line, he directed me to take such as 
could be best spared. I at once took the command of Major Weaver, which had come 
from the ditches and were aligned across the Crutchfield road, it being disengaged, and 
moved it at a double-quick some 500 or 600 yards to the elevation on the right and rear 
of where the enemy had formed near his" flag. 1 was unable, notwithstanding the 
assistance of Major Weaver, to get this command further, and could only form it on the 
hill at right angles to my line, protecting that flank, and seek to dislodge" him by a well- 
directed fire, or hold him in check until the repulsed brigade in Anderson's line could be 
rallied and retake their lost ground. Having made this disposition and opened fire, I 
left Lieutenant (T. E.) Blanchard, of my staff, to report the result and returned to mv 
own line, which was being dangerously pressed. It was but a few moments until the 
second and third flags were on the ridge near the same spot, and theeneinv in such num- 
ber as to drive away the command under Major Weaver. This command, upon the ad- 
vance of the enemy, broke and retired in disorder. The enemy turned our guns upon 
VIS and opened a fire of musketry from our right and rear. This advantage gained caus- 
ed my right to give back. 

In seeking to rally the right I did not see the exact time when the flag went up at 
the left of General Bragg's headquarters, but refer to the reports of Brigadier-General 
Finley, Lieutenant-Colonel (Jas. J.) Turner, (who subsequently commanded Bate's bri- 
gade,) and Colonel (E.) Mashburn, Lieutenant-Colonel (A. D.) McLean, of Florida bri- 
gade, and Major (John) O'Neill, commanding loth Tennessee. 

The enemy formed a line of battle and moved down upon our right at right 
angles with that flank, Dent's battery was turned upon us, sweeping our 
lines from right to left, and among other effects produced, destroyed two of Slocomb's 
limbers. Our men of the extreme right gave back in some confusion, and in gallantly 
seeking to rally them Colonel R. C. Tyler was dangerously wounded. Meanwhile the 
enemy had gained the summit of the ridge on our left and subjected us to a fire from 
that source. He was rapidly enveloping the division, and yet the UVi-ger portion of it 
was on the front line with the artillery. I then moved the command, which was in much 
confusion, to the rear, ordering the batteries and that portion still remaining on tlie front 
of the ridge to retire to the line on which we were rallying. There was much difliculty 
in stopping the debris which had sloughed off from the first line, but through the per- 
sonal exertions of General Bragg and staff and many subaltern officers, we formed a 
line about 1,000 yards from the one just abandoned in a most eligible position across the 
road leading from General Bragg's quarters to the pontoon bridge at Bird's Mill. Dur- 
ing the process of its formation General Bragg ordered me to hold the position as long 
as tenable, and then cross the Chickamauga and report to him at Chickamauga Station. 
This line was soon molded into proper shape and organized to resist the assault then 
threatened by an exultant foe. Skirmishers were thrown forward under Major Wall, 
15th and 17th Tennessee, on the right, and Major (J. E.) Austin, of Adams' sharpshoot- 
ers (who was there with a part of his command,) on my left. Artillery was planted 
near the road. I sent officers to push the artillery and ordnance across the bridge and to 
stop all stragglers. I withdrew from this line the 6th Florida, under command of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel McLean, and moved it back as a nucleus for another line. I then placed 
this main (now front) line under command of Brigadier-General Finley, with instruc- 
tions to hold it as long as possible; when forced, to fall back on the next line. Colonel 
(A. F.) Rudler was "ordered to take command of Tyler's place, but was soon badly 
Avounded and taken from the field. I remained with the line until the sharpshooters 
were driven in and it became well and successfidly engaged. 

It was now nearly dark, and I repaired to a field near the junction of the road lead- 
ing to Bird's Mill from Missionary Ridge and established a line with the field in front 
under supervision of Lieutenant-Colonel McLean. This line was formed across the 



58 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



roads, hii\ intj tlirown out skirmishers alonjj the front and Hanks. I proceed- 
eii to join General Finlev's line, which meantime was hotly entjaijed, not only 
chcckinijj, but causing the enemy to recede, thus enabling a quiet and orderly withdraw- 
al of that line. This fight was made by a retreating force aganst an advancing and vic- 
torious one. It lasted for nearly an hour after night, and stayed the onward movement 
w hich was pressing us back to the bridge. 

For further iiarticvdars of this fight I refer to report of General Finley. 1 met the 
heati of this column with ISIajor-Gcneral Hreckenridge, at \\hose order it had retired, 
Not having seen the (icneral since in the earlier part of the evening, when he left Gen- 
eral Uragg's quarters to look after the left, I informed him of General Bragg's last order 
to me and the locality of my next line. lie bade me carry out those orders, and with 
some additional instructions then delivered he proceeded to join General Bragg. Not 
pm^sued bv the enemy, I lei surly moved the command to the pontoon bridge, leaving 
the third line under Lieutenant-Colonel McLean, with instructions to hold it until or- 
dered to retire. . I saw Major-Gancral Stewart at the bridge, and reported to him my 
instruction from General Bragg. My command being in good order, I moved it to the 
east bank of Chickamaug.i and liivouacked, meantime ordering Lieutenant-Colonel 
McLean to join me, of which withdrawal I notified General Stewart. 1 reported to Gen- 
eral Bragg as ordered, and in two hours movcd'^my command on the Ringgold road, 
running east of the railroad; thence through that place and to Timnel Hill next day, 
and the succeeding one to Dalton, where I was joined by Mebane's battery and subse- 
cpientlv by Lewis's brigade. Lewis's brigade being separated from the command during 
the fi.ght and retreat, I respec'tfully refer to his report for the operations of that com- 
mand. 

The service of the artillery, under command of Captain Cobb, was fought success- 
fully and gallantly. 

My accomplished assistant adjutant-general, (Major George W. Winchester,) to 
whom I feel much indebted for his efficiency and gallantry on this as well as other fields, 
in seeking to extricate a part of the command as the enemy enveloped us lost his liberty 
if not his life, no tidings of his fate having since reached me. 

Colonel R. C. Tyler, commanding brigade, (who) bore himself as become his reputa- 
tion won on other and more fortunate fields, was dangerously wounded in discharging 
liis duty. Colonel A. F. Rudler succeeded him in command. He, too, fell a victim to 
a severe and disabling wound in the fight after dark. 

Lieutenant-Colonel J. J. Turner, of the 30th Tennessee, as ranking officer, then 
assumed command of this brigade. His coolness and courage was marked throughout. 

I cannot, in justice to the generous and brave, consistently- close this without ex- 
pressing my thanks to Brigadier-General Finley for his gallant bearing and prompt assist- 
ance in everv emergencv, 

I take the liberty of mentioning Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Smith, of the 37th 
Georgia, and MajorJ. M. ^^'all, 15th and 37th Tennessee, for special gallantry on this 
occasion. 

To the members of my staff — Captain G. W. McCawley, Lieutenants T. E. Blanch- 
ard and James H. Bate — I also make my acknowledgments for promptness and gallantry 
on the field. 

The casualities of this command were — Killed, 43; wounded, 224; missing, 590. 
Most of the latter were Floridans who were in the trenches. 

For further particulars I respectfully refer to the reports of subaltern officers 

I am, Colonel, verv respectfullv, 

WM. B. BATE, 
Brigadier-iU'iicral, Comdg, 



No. 50. 

REPORT OF LIEUTENANT R. T. GIBSON. HOWELL'S LIGHT BATTERY^ 

WALKER'S DIVISION, OF ENGAGEMENT AT LOOKOUT 

MOUNTAIN, TENN. 

December 23, 1863. 

Captain: I have the honor to make the following report regarding my participation 
in the affair yielding up Lookout Mountain to the enemy : 

On Monday, the i6th ultimo, I was ordered bv Captain [E. P.] Howell to take two 
6-poimder guns up to the Craven House and ]>ut them in position, which order was 
obeyed. I also receised orders to semi m\ horses l)ack to the ]iark, which I did. I do 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 59 



not remember receiving orders to report to any one, nor did any officer give me oi'ders 
while I remained there. 

On the morning of the 24th ultimo hearing a scattering musketry fire I went up to 
the Craven House for the purpose of ascertaining its meaning. While endeavoring to 
find out the cause of the firing I perceived our men (WalthalT's I'rigade) falling back in 
disorder, and very rapidly, the enemy pursuing. My supports having fallen "back and 
my horses being at the foot of the mountain I considered it best to march off my men, 
as there was no possibility of either moving my guns or repulsing the enemv. 

Very respectfully, your abedient servant, " 

R. T. GIBSON, 
Captain [G. W. McCawley,] Second Lieut., Ho-vclVs Light Battery. 

Assistant Adjutant- General. 



VETERANS WHO WERE THERE 

TELL HOW THEY WON THE FIGHT. 



Extract from letter from Senator George Carson, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 
late 2d Lieutenant, Co. I, 68th Indiana Infantry: 

" As I now remember, my regiment, 68th Indiana, was on the left in the first 
line of battle as we formed the afternoon of November 25th, Avith second line fifty 
or one hundred yards in rear, with third line in column by division, that is two 
companies abreast. The lines of battle were well preserved as we crossed the valley 
to the rebel rifle j^its at the base of Missionary Ridge. When we reached the base, 
the lines took cover behind the rebel rifle pits as best we could, except the third 
line. We had remained behind the rifle pits but a few minutes Avhen Ave heard a 
little piping \'oice, some distance to tlie right, sing ovtt, ' ForAvard ! ' We all rose up 
as one man, and started on the run up the Ridge. Shells were exj^loding in the air 
uncomfortably frequent. * * * * I next looked to the right hud ob- 
served the two lines had been lost in a common mass. The men had drifted from 
the highest to the lowest places on the side of the Ridge, and had taken cover be- 
hind stumps, trees, logs and stones, and as far as I could see, I did not see a single 
man on his feet erect. The men ad\'anced at will, dodging ahead from one cover to 
another, and then delivering their fire from this cover. I then turned to the left 
and discovered an oak log, about tAvo feet thick, behind Avhich I took cover, and this 
brought me up Avith the line, such as Ave had. While resting behind this log several 
Eebs jumped over their Avorks and came on the rtm to our line, Avhile the others 
AA'ent on. One of them halted ntar me, and took shelter behind an oak tree. 
I hailed him to know how many of them Avere over there, and he rallied, *' Thar 
aint so many over thar noAv, as they haA^e gone on our right, Avhar you hearn the 
the heavie firin' about noon," or to that efl'ect. It Avas amusing to see the Reb stick 
close to the tree, and blink at eA-ery bullet that came near him. Our men had now 
advanced far enough to deliver their fire with precision. and for some time the Rebs 
dare not shtvdow the opening under their head log. I noticed a number of guns 
discharged without exposing any part of their bodies except their arms, and hold- 
ing their gl^ns over the Avorks and then discharging them, merely depressing 
their pieces so as to hit someAvhere. While Ave had them so, and they dare not 
shoAV their heads, we charged over their Avorks. I now speak of the infantry. While 
the rebel batteries played on us as best they could, our good fortune Avas that they 
could not depress their pieces sufficiently because their infantry rifie pits Avere be- 
tAveen us and their artillery. ***** In a very short time after 
Ave reached The summit the firing slacked. At this time a little red hen ran out on 
our side of the little house, and one of our boys gave chase, and ran it around the 
house, but just at this juncture the firing increased, and the call given to ' fall in. 
And to shoAV how thoroughly our lines Avere broken up, I formed a company on our 
extreme left, and ottt of seventy-five men I there assumed command of, there was' 
only only one man I ever met before to my knowledge. One man sang out, ' Where 

the is my regiment.' I told him it did not make any difference, he could fight 

Avhere he AAas as Avell; and with this they were content." 

Extract from letters from Hon. John A Martin, Governor of Kansas, 
late Colonel 8th Kansas Infantry: 

"I saw, some time ago, that a company were having a panorama of the battle 



60 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



of Missionary Ridge painted, and wus f^reatly interested in the statement. I hope 
j'oii have consulted, in preparing your panorama of Missionary Kidge, the best 
autliorities. No otlier battle of the war, in my judgment, affords sucli sc-ope for tlie 
paijiter; and a realistic and truthful painting of that battle will be worth traveling 
tiiou-an<ls of miles to see. I want to say just one thing in connection with it: Don't 
give too much prominence to the Generals. Missionary Kidge Avas lite battle of the 
war, fought and won without orders, and even ngainiil orders, by the field and line 
officers and private soldiers. The orders from the General-in-Chief, the Army 
Corps, aiui Division Commanders, as you pi'obably know, were to take the line of 
work' at (he foot of the Ri(lf/e. This order was executed, but when the men got to 
that line of works, every soldier and field and line officer present saw that they 
cou'd not live there, and the assault on the Ridge was made irithout orders, or upon 
orders to advance made, in no instance, l)y any authority higher than regimental, 
and in a few instances brigade commanders . No officers of higher rank than brigade 
commanders were with the line. * * * * q^^j. ijrjgade went straight 

out from Orchard Knob, where Grant, Thomas, Granger and other generals com- 
manding were stationed. I went over the ground in September, 1881. with Colonel 
Frank Askew, of the 15tli Ohio, and Lieut. Col. Couover, of my own regiment, and 
we followed our old route to the breastworks at the foot of the hill, and then to the 
summit of the Ridge. The following diagram of the Ridge will explain my meaning: 

1 



1. Point where the 8th Kansas struck the Ridge. 

2. Point where the 35th Illinois struck the Ridge. 

3. Point where Hazen's Brigade reached the summit. 

" The 25th Illinois was, I think a little to the right of mine, but of that I am not 
certain. I know that after we had broken through the rebel lines on the top they 
swung a battery stationed at the point marked 2 around and attempted to 
sweep our lines, the rebel lines were still holding the hill in front of Sheridan, who 
was beyond the point marked 3 and also held the hill at the point marked 2, so 
that the first hole made in their lines was made by our brigade. 

Extract from speech delivered by Senator George Carson at Council 
Bluffs, Iowa, Aug. Sth, i885, at Gen. Grant's funeral obsequies — 2nd 
Lieut. Co. I, 6Sth Indiana Infantrj'- at Missionary Ridge : 

Were you ever at Chatanooga? If not you have heard of " Hooker above the 
clouds." You have heard of Sherman at Tunnel Hill, and you have heard of 
Tliomas at Missionary Ridge. 

Our Old Commander we buried to-day, planned all that. Talk of " Jove and 
the thunderbolts." What a sublime moment, grand, terrific, awful, see aides flying 
hither and thither. Amunition is passing to the lines. Everything moves like 
clockwork. Cartridge boxes are replenished. Didn't we get orders for every man 
to carry one hundred rounds ? Sunday, get ready, write letters home, Monday fall 
in. General Grant came over that afternoon and looked on while the Army of the 
Cumberland formed line of battle, facing toward Missionary Ridge, and when all 
was ready six guns from Fort Wood tolled off the destiny of the grey coats who were 
on picket near our own. 

And when the last gun went off the orders rang out along the line, ' Forward ! ' 
The rebel pickets were good natured, and we had no firing for a long time, and our 
pickets shouted as the last gun was discharged, ' Look out rebs, we are coming for 
you !' and away went skirmishers with lines of battle hard after them. When the 
line reached Orchard Knob the line halted. Axes, picks, nnd shovels, in constant 
use all that night in the new line. Next morning General Hooker moved his lines 
among the clouds of grand old Lookout Mountain, and before noon he Avas 'above 
the cloiids.' How our hearts leajied with joy as we stood three miles away and saw 
the gallant lines of blue sweep the face of the mountain. 

Another act in the great (^rama^vas performed that night. Grant had ordered 
the Army of the Tennessee to cross the river above Chattanooga, and true as steel 
thej' wei'e over next morning, and that gallant army began a hardday's work. 
Hooker was now across the valley and is thundering at Rossville Pass. 

The Army of the Cumberland Avas ordered to the base of the Ridge and captur- 
ed the rifle pits . 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 61 



Again the great guns tolled off the destinies of the hour, stupendous in its con- 
ceptum and marvelous in its results. When the rifle pits were carried the Old 
Commander sent an order along the line, • Take the Ridge if you can. ' but before 
the flying aide had reached the line, the order rang out ' Forward.' They were all 
of one mind. Commander and men. Both lines of battle were broken up and every 
man pushed forward of his owo accord. From every stone and tree and log a blaze 
of musketry rang out— loading and firing at will. And here the great secret lies 
All the great Commander had to do was to conceive the grand design and lay ofi' tne 
wok on the great trestle board and the armies of 'uncrowned ' kings stand re^dy 
to execute the work in their own good way. Neither commander or men need 
models for their Avork for they make models for themselves. Like Napoleon they 
are masters of the art. How earnestly our Commander followed us. From Orchard 
Knob all the line was in full view. They exchanged such remarks as There the 
boys go.' ' Now they halt,' ' Now there they ,go,' as they dashed over the works at 
the summit. Our old Commander in Chief had won three stars, a brave and de- 
termined enemy is flying, the thirteen batteries that had been playing upon us 
were silenced, and the happiest band of men that ever walked the earth were on 
that ridge that evening. To realize it you must have been there." 

Extract of letter received from Senator Charles F. Manderson, Omaha, 
late Col. 19th Ohio, Infantry, Brev. Brig. Gen. : 

* * * * "^ I have no time to give you any details of the 

fight at Missionary Kidge, suffice it to say that my gallant old regiment (19th. Ohio 
Infantry) was among the first regiments to reach the crest. I rode a sturdy little 
black mare who carried me splendidly up the slope. My Adjutant BreAver, a noble 
fellow, (killed by my side afterwards at New Hope Church) rode a sorrel horse. 
My boys captured several cannon and many prisoners in the works and on top of 
the hill. I think the first general ofQcer to reach the top of the crest was General 
August Willich, whose brigade was on our right. When the enemy had been driven 
from the crest, Willich rode along my line saying in his funny German Avay. 'Ah, 
boys you will all be court martialed, you have taken the ridge without orders.' 
My fellows surrounded him and lifting him from his horse carried him for a few 
moments on their shoulders amidst much shouting and rejoicing over our splendid 
victory. I hope your picture will be a great success. 

Extract of letter from Lieut. Jas. McMahon, 41st Ohio Vol. Int'try, 
Cleveland : 

After we struck the rebel works at the foot of the Ridge (Missionary Ridge,) the 
rebels left them without fighting and ran to the top of the Ridge with as much haste 
as they could make, the General -t and Staff and field officers of regiments, dismount- 
ed and let their horses loose, and they, the horses, huddled together in groups, near 
the troops. Right there and then Col. Aquala Wiley, commanding the 41st. Reg't. 
O. V. I., received a shot through his leg, causing an amputation above the knee. 
About five minutes after arriving at said works, and on account of the works not 
being any protection to us from the canister being fii'ed at us from the rebel artillery 
on the ridge, Gen. W. B. Hazen, commanding our brigade, gave the command, for- 
warjl march ! and we jumped over thoAVorks, and started up the ridge. A short dis- 
tance from the Avorks Avas a lot of shanties built of Avood by the rebels for shelter 
from the cold weather, here a lot of our men sought shelter from the terrific fire of 
canister from the ridge. Some of our officers had to drive them out and in doing 
so one. Lieut. W. W. Watson Avas killed, being shot Avith a ball through the center 
of the forehead, then all started up the ridge — Sergt. Wm. SilverAvood carrying our 
colors straight up the ridge, ne\'er Avavering or stopjiing till he planted the colors on 
the highest peak of the ridge, and about the center of Wood's division. One inci- 
dent occured under my observation in going up, it is this: tAVo pieces of artillery on 
toiD and on a point of the ridge Avere firing from our right, draAving an oblique on us 
and Ave had to dodge several shots from them by falling to the ground to escape a 
charge of canister fired at us, until we got up about half way on the ridge, where I 
found a large log about 14 feet long, and laying so as to shelter us from the fire, and 
about 3(10 yards from them. Being an offi' er, I ordered all Avho could get behind it 
to take shelter there and to take deliberate aim at these artillery^ men and fire with- 
out any further orders and it took less time to kill or wound all of them than it does 
me to write about it. As soon as they Avere all doAvn. a lot of our soldiers jumped 
out from beloAV said guns as if by magic and captured the guns, Avhicli being loaded 
they turned them to the right, toAvards Gen. Bragg's headquarters. Avhich Avere but 
a sliort distance on our right. Infantry, having no knoAvledge of firing artillery, 
they were obliged to break a cartridge on the touch hole and I have it from the best 



0-3 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 

of iuithority tliat Scrj^t. A(I()l|)liu.s Kriiuior, of Co. I, flred his jj;nn on siiid powder, 
•which .soiit .siiid char^^ti up aloiijj;- thii i-el)el liu(^s, wlio liad not left their works yet, 
but the charj^e of canister so seat and so unexpectedly, made tlieni retreat from 
their works in haste and allowed our men up. We reached tlie top of tin; ridge about 
tlie same time. Now one thing mcn-e and I will finish : Very soon after arriving on 
top of the ridge, and while standing looking around, I discovered a company of 
rebels marching at a front toward where I was, from the direction of Uragg's head- 
quarters, and seemed to be in rear of the two artillery guns just mentioned. The 
only oflicer I could see near me was Major J H. Williston, of the 41st. O. V. I., I 
called his attention to them, and he and myself f<n-m(!d hastily al)out the same 
number of our men as they had, and while forming thej^ tired a volley into us 
and Ave returned the fire and charged them and ran them down on the other side 
of the hill. This squad of men and others who came after, captured, by killing the 
horses, '27 pieces of cannon and cassions and hauled them up the hill, to the jjoint 
where our flag Avas planted, and also where Gen. Hazen had erected his tent at his 
headqiiarters. But to keep peace in the family and to satisfy the General on our 
right who we helped clear his front. Gen. Hazen allowed him nine pieces as his cap- 
ture. Our color bearer seemed to have a chai-med life while bearing those colors 
up the hill. He was made a target of by the rebel artillery, volley after volley was 
fired at him, covering him with a cloud of dust, shutting him out from my sight, 
after the dust would clear away, there he was going up, unconcerned as if nothing 
had happened till he reached the rebel Avorks on top, stuck the staff in the earth, 
took his hat off and cheered— and I may tread on disputed grounds Avhen I say it 
Avas the first Union flag on the ridge, Init for all that I belieA^e it with as much 
assurance as I do that I must some day die. 

From Chicago Tribune, November, 1863. — Missionary Ridge. — The 
19th. Ills, in the recent Battle ot Missionary Ridge : 

The gallant 19th. Illinois Regiment, under command of Lieut. Col. Raflfen, par- 
ticipated in the severe battle of Missionary Ridge, on the 25th of November and 
was among the first regiments to carry the rebel Avorks. Capt. David F. Bremner, 
of Co. E, being the officer Avho planted the first federal flag on the ramparts. This 
is the same flag presented by the citizens of Chicago not long since. Capt. D. F. 
Bremner received several bullets in and through his overcoat, one grazing his 
cheek and inflicting a slight Avound, but he escaped further injury. We are indebt- 
ed to Sergt. Major McDonald, of the 19th for these particulars as well as for thefol- 
loAving complete list of the casualities sustained by the regiment in the battle. 
Sargent Major McDonald is in recruiting service in this city, and those Avho wish 
to escape the mysteries of a draft and join one of the best fighting regiments in the 
west can do so by consulting him. 

List of killed and woiinded of the 19th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, in the battle 
of Missionary Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863 : 

Killed— Wm. Patterson, Color Corporal, E. ; Stephen Babbitt. F. 

Wounded — Capt. D. F. Bremmer. slightly in the face ; Lieut. James W. Raffen, 
♦E, slightly, in arm ; Capt. James G. Kimball, F, serious in the groin ; Lieut. Lester 
G. Bangs, Adjutant, severly in right knee (since amputated); Alonzo T. Stickne, 
A, seriously in right knee ; Joseph L. Slagh, A, seriously in foot ; Henry Anderson, 
A, severely in neck ; Springer Galley, Corjj. B, severly in knee ; Geo. Miller. B, flesh 
Avound in right leg ; John McCouchie, B, seriously in the head , James Murrill, B, 
flesh Avound in right arm ; Geo. Gould, Corporal C seriously in groin (since dead ;) 
Jamos McDonald, C, flesh Avound in leg ; Thos. Mahonoy, D, seriously in the leg, 
since amputated;) John McNish, D, slightly in the leg ; Geo. Steel, Color Sergant, 
E, slightly in the Avrist and face; Weston C. Fuller, F, slightly inarm ; John Carr, 
.slightly in the leg ; John Van Bnnit. F, seriously in the leg, since dead ; Emsley D. 
Babbitt, F, seriously in right thigh ; James T. lieagan, F, slightly, in the breast ; 
John P. Clay, seriously right eye ; Leopold Kessinger, I, sliglitly in face ; Patrick 
McDonald, K, flesh Avoimd in thigh. 

" Senator Randall L. Gibson, of Louisiana, aa'Ho commanded Adams 
bri^aflt; of Stewart's division, in the Battle of Missionary Ridge, Avrites: 

'The rirst break I observed in our line Avas to the right of Bragg's headquarters. I 
"vouiu say that the troops of your army who assaulted our lines about % mile to the left 
"*o 3'our left) of Bragg's headquarters, first gained the summit of the ridge, for I saw our 
'.mops first give Avay to my right. I started to go in that direction to rally the troops, 
-""laring observed for a few minutes that there was a break and some disorder; but before 
I had gone any distance I noticed the support retreating from the battery in front of 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 03 

Braofg's headquartei's. I ordered a charge to recover this position and was urging for- 
ward my old regiment, the 13th La., when I suddenly perceived that the federal troops 
had turned our left and were marching in line of battle at right angles to ours, sweeping 
away our lines from the left. Now Bragg's headquarters, a farm house and out build- 
ings, shut out the view to mj- left, and it may be that your troops reached the top of the 
ridge o.n the left of the headquarters as soon as those to the right. But the first troops I 
saw on the ridge were several hundred ^ards to the right of Bragg's headquarters ; and 
my opinion has been that they were the first to ascend the ridge. 

" Mine were Louisiana troops. I don't recollect the troops on the right or left — the 
names of the commanders or their states. 

" I think the troops who came forward on our left reached Bragg's headquarters 
before those who made thq assault in front of, or, to the immediate right. 

Yours, 

"RANDALL L. GIBSON." 



REPORT OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL CHARLES CRUFT. 

Headquarters 2d and 30 Brigades, First Division, 4TH Corps. 

In the Field, December loth, 1863. 

About lialf-past 1 1 a. ni., the troops of General Geary's first line became visible, 
marchini;; steadily and slowly along the mountain side and gradually ascending it as they 
advanced. At a signal given the batteries upon Moccasin Point on the Bald Knob, and 
the section near General Hooker's position, opened fire on the rebel intrenchments in 
the valley with splendid effect. The troops on the mountain moved forward as rapidly 
as possible over the rough and rocky ground. General Osterhaus and Colonel Grose 
threw their troops rapidly across the stream, the latter forming on the extreme left, and 
commencing to ascend in extension of General Geary's line. The rebel camps and 
works on the mountain side were swept by our advancing line after a stubborn resist- 
ance. The brigade at the base of the mountain holding the roads, became panic-stricken 
under the terrible effect of the artillery fire and the successful charge of our soldiery 
upon the mountain above them, and fled from the trenches and scattered in all directions. 
Colonel Waters immediately seized the bridge and threw two companies of skirmishers 
across the stream, and occupied the works in the valley, capturing many prisoners. 

The bridge was found to be in a very incomplete state. It was deemed a matter of 
the first importance that the bridge should be repaired, so that artillery and ammunition 
wagons could cross it at the earliest moment. This matter was placed in charge of Cap- 
tain L L. Scott, 84th Illinois, and Lieutenant Peck of my staff, who were furnished with 
a fatigue party of three companies of the 84th Illinois. This bridge was over a hundred 
feet in length, and required several new strong timbers and flooring for nearly the whole 
length. It was completed by nightfall, however, and in time to supply the exhausted 
ammunition and rations of the troops upon the mountains. The officers in charge of it 
and the men who labored upon it, deserve commendation for their energy. 

After carrying the enemy's works and camps upon the hillside, about half-past 12 
p. m., our assaulting lines pressed up the mountain sides driving the foe before them at 
every point. About i o'clock p. m., they made the bench of the mountain just below 
Lookout Point, stormed the rebel works there successfully, and planted the National 
colors upon them, and pressed on beyond the White House as far as the Summerton 
Road, by about half-past one o'clock p. m. Despatches reached me at the left of our 
line on the mountain shortly after 2 o'clock from Brigadier-General Whittaker and 
Colonel Grose, dated at the White House, 2 o'clock p. m., announcing the complete 
success of their commands ; the fact they were in positions indicated and would be able 
on receiving an additional supply of ammunition, to hold them successfully. 

. At, say, half-past 2 p. m., my command lav upon the bench of the mountain thus: 
Brigadier-General Whittaker at or near the extreme right. Colonel Grose farther on to 
the left with four regiments. Colonel Waters with two regiments upon the extreme left, 
resting upon the main Chattanooga road and holding it. The line of skirmishers was 
beyond the White House. Log barricades were rapidly constructed along the front of 
the whole line. 

A heavy fog enveloped the mountain and a vast deal of ammunition was uselessly 
consumed by skirmish parties on both sides with trifling casualties. This continued 
until about midnight. The regiments in the front were relieved from time to time, so 
that during the afternoon and night all the regiments in my command had borne their 
part in the skirmisiiing, and liad more or less exhausted their ammunition. Before night- 
fall, 30 boxes of ammunition were conveyed up the mountain by the horses and troopers 
of my escort, and shortly after dusk the ammunition wagons were got over the bridge at 
Lookout Creek and a short distance up the slope of the mountain, and from these the 
men of the various regiments supplied themselves during the night by carrying it on 
their shoulders. Rations were also similarly' procured and the men made as comfortable 
as possible during the night. ******* 

At daylight on the morning of the 25th, mv command lav along the crest of the 
mountain in the position heretofore indicated. A cessation of picket firing during the 
night confirmed l)y th.e best observation that could be made during the darkness, led to 
the belief that the enemy had evacuated the top of the mountain as well as the east slope 
of it, and his works in the valley upon the left of his line. This result was anticipated 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 65 

by Major-General Hooker on the evening previous as the effect of the occupancy and 
the holding of the crest. Arrangements therefore were made before the dawn of the 
day by Brigadier-General Whit«taker and Colonel Grose to send a party from each brig- 
ade at daylight to endeavor to scale Lookout Point and plant the National flag upon it. 

Volunteers from the Sth Kentucky (Colonel Sidney M. Barnes), and the 9th Indiana 
(Colonel L B. C. Suman), started with a noble emulation to see which should first attain 
the summit and plant the National colors upon it, and make reconnoissance of the upper 
plateau of the moimtain. The 8th Kentucky was the sviccessful competitor for the 
honor. As the morning svm arose, it discovered the National banner floating out on the 
mountain air from Lookout Point, and the soldiery below caught up a shout from the 
regiment on the summit which rang through the crags and valleys, and was borne to their 
comrades below, who were standing to arms behind the defensives of Chattanooga. 

About half-past 8 o'clock a. m., the distant sound of artillery was heard in the direc- 
tion of Missionary Ridge, which indicated the commencement of Major-General Sher- 
man's attack in that quarter, and prepared the troops upon the mountains to anticipate 
the scenes of the day. About 10 o'clock, orders were received from Major-General 
Hooker for two regiments to be placed upon the point of the mountain, with instructions 
to intrench themselves and hold it at all hazards. Under orders these regiments were 
also further instructed to make proper details to explore the late battle-field, bury the 
dead, and collect and secvire all abandoned arms and property, and make reports of the 
same to the headquarters of Major-General Hooker. This duty was assigned to the 8th 
Kentucky Volunteers (Col. S. M. Barnes), and the 96th Illinois Volunteers (Colonel 
Champion), who were henceforth detached from their commands, and held the point 
until the morning of the 2d instant, when they were relieved by ti'oops from General 
Geary's command. 

About 10 o'clock a. m., orders were received from Major-General Hooker com- 
inanding an advance on the Rossville road, in the direction of Missionary Ridge. Gen- 
eral Osterhaus' division was ordered to lead the column; this command to follow, and 
General Geary's command to bring up the rear. About 11 o'clock a. m., this command 
moved out in the direction indicated and reached the foot of the inountain. about 12 
o'clock m. 

Upon reaching Chattanooga Creek, it was found that the enemy had destroyed the 
bridges across it. General Osterhaus threw a regiment speedily across the creek, which 
passed to the gorge in the ridge and had some brisk skirmishing with the enemy. A section 
of the eneiny's artillery was placed so as to command the gorge and part of the plain be- 
low, and was used freely in firing upon it, but without effect. This was driven off by 
General Osterhaus' skirmishers. Some delay was occasioned here in the construction 
of a bridge sufficient to cross the infantry column. This was, however, accomplished 
and General Osterhaus' column thrown across, and a portion of it advanced in the direc- 
tion of Missionary Ridge on the left of Rossville Road, striking the ridge about half a 
mile to the northward of McFarland's house, without encounter with the enemy. 

My command was now ordered forward and was pressed rapidly out on the Rossville 
road. LTpon reaching the gorge at McFarland's house, the column of General Oster- 
haus was met coming down the ridge with the intention, as the General stated, of pass- 
ing down the valley along the road at the base of the ridge in the direction of Chatta- 
nootra. Upon request of General Osterhavis, the head of the column was halted long 
enough to communicate with General Hooker, who was but a short distance to the rear. 
His answer came in a few moments in the shape of an order borne by Major-General 
Butterfield, chief of staff, to occupy the ridge immediately and engage tiie enemy vigor- 
ously in case he should be met, pressing the line rapidly northward along the ridge until 
the enemy was encountered, and that General Osterhaus would support it in the valley 
on the right, and General Geary in the valley on the left. The head of the column was 
immediately turned up the ridge from near McFarland's house, at 4 o'clock p. m. Two 
reo-iments from the head of the column, 9th and 36th Indiana, were ordered up on 
dotible-quick and run into line under fire of the enemy's skirmishers, instantly charged 
and drove them. The residue of the column was soon formed in line, the 3d brigade 
(Colonel Grose), in advance, 2d brigade (Brigadier-General Whittaker), within support- 
ing distance, except two regiments "(51st Ohio, and 36th Indiana), which were thrown to 
the front on Colonel Grose's left flank. 

The ridge at the point of ascent, and in fact along the whole extent, was so narrow 
on top as not to admit the full brigade formation. The assault therefore was made in a 
column of four lines of three regiments front at supporting intervals. The casualties of 
my command in this engagement were slight, not exceeding four killed and thirty 
wounded. 

The impetuosity with which the men charged the enemy, and the success which they 
had in breaking his lines early in the fight, rendered the assault comparatively bloodless 



66 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



on our side. The men were camped alonji; the ridge near the headquarters which the 
rebel General .Stewart had occupied in the morning. Our long line of blazing camp 
fires must have presented a welcome spectacle to our comrades in arms at Chattanooga. 

On the 26th inst., orders were received to march via Rossville to Graysville; this 
division in advance, followed by (ieneral Geary; General Osterhaus in rear. The line 
of march was commenced about half-past 10 o'clock a. m. I'pon reaching McAfee's 
Church, some three miles beyond Ross\ille, the head of the c )lumn encoimtered a por- 
tion of Major-Cieneral Palmer's corps occupying the road and marching eastward. A 
short halt was made, permitting General Palmer's troops to pass on, when the march was 
resumed, following them. 

Reaching West Fork of Chickamauga River, it was found that the bridge over that 
stream had just been destroyed by the enemy. Some delay occurred here in construct- 
ing a bridge sutHcient to cross the infantry. This was, however, accomplished under 
charge of Lieutenants C. C. Peck and John A. Wright, of my staff, with a fatigue party 
from (jeneral Palmer's corps. My column commenced crossing at 4 o'clock p. m. 

About dark the head of the column reached Pea-Vine Creek. The camp-fires of 
the enenn- were \isible on the ridge bexond Pea-Vine Valley, and it was reported that 
.some considerable force of the enemy were still in the valley in our front. 

Orders here were changed, making Ringgold the destination of our column. 
Major-General Palmer was to proceed by way of Graysville. The troops of the latter, 
however, were formed in line between the Ringgold and Graysville Road, and moved 
forward to attack the enemy in the valley, occupying the Ringgold Road, which was 
done with success The night was dark and these dispositions involved such delay that 
my command did not commence crossing Pea- Vine Creek, until 8 o'clock p. m. The 
command was moved continuously forward upon the enem^y'scamp upon the ridge, some 
two miles east of the creek. It was found, however, that he had fied, leaving his camp- 
fires burning, and the command under orders bivouacked for the night on the ridge, at 
II o'clock p. m. 

November 27th at half-past 7 o'clock a. in., the command marched under order in 
rear of the column in the direction of Ringgold, distant about five miles, which was 
reached about half-past 9 o'clock a. m. Arriving at the East Fork of the Chickamauga 
River, it was found that General Osterhaus Avas engaging the enemy in considerable 
force along the base of the ridge on the east side of the town, and in the gorge to the 
south of it. 

This command followed the column and was ordered to enter the town and halt. 
The enemy were using artillery from the ridge east of the place freely, and my command 
marched up under range of his fire. The head of the column was halted near the 
Catoosa House. In this position the command was subjected to occasional musketry from 
the enemy's sharpshooters at long range, and one man. Private Johnston, Company H, 
36th Indiana Volunteers, only was killed, but two or three others sl'ghtly wounded. At 
half-past II o'clock a. m.. Colonel Grose's brigade was moved up to the railway and 
placed in position along the west side of the embankment, with its right resting on the 
depot, to relieve a portion of General Geary's command. A very sharp fight had been 
progressing from about 10 o'clock a. m., upon the slope of the inoimtain east of the 
place, and in the gorge below it, between the enemy and some of the regiments of Gen- 
eral Gearv's and Osterhaus' commands, in which this command did not participate. 

At half-past 12 o'clock p. m., in compliance with orders, the 99th Ohio Volunteers 
(Lieutenant-Colonel Cummins), was sent from General Whittaker's brigade across the 
river, to ascend this mountain, and if possible hold the crest on the south side of the gorge. 

Two companies of this regiment, as skirmishers, had nearly succeeded in gaining 
the crest, pressing up the mountain in a very gallant manner, when the order was 
countermanded, the enemy having effected a general retreat. About i o'clock p. m., all 
firing ceased and our forces were left in possession of the town. 

At 3:40 p. m. orders were received to move a brigade towards Tunnel Hill, upon a 
reconnoissance. 

Reports led to the belief that a wagon train of the enemy might be captured by an 
energetic movemnent in that direction. Instructions did not permit an engagement to 
be brought on in case the enemy should be discovered in force, but directed such demon- 
strations to be made as should convey to the enemy an impression of pursuit. 

The execution of this order was intrusted to Colonel Grose and the brigade under 
his command. He moved out at 4 o'clock p.m. After proceeding about two miles. 
Colonel Grose encountered the enemy's skirmishers, and a small force of cavalry and 
pursued them, driving them betore him for a mile and a half, when he can>e upon the 
main body of the enemy's rear guard, which he supposed to be the division of General 
Clebiu-ne which was posted on the hills commanding the road. The brigade laid in 
position in front of the enemy until 8 o'clock p. m., when it was withdrawn to its bivouac. 

LofC. 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 67 

As the result of this reconnoissance, Colonel Grose obtained important information as to 
the movements of the enemy, which was promptly commvmicated to General Hooker's 
headquarters. ********* 

I am, Captain, your obedient servant, 

CHARLES CRUFT, Bri<r..Gcn. Commandimr. 



OFFICIAL REPORT OF BRIG.-GEN. JEFFERSON C. DAVIS. U. S. ARMY 

COMMANDING 2ND DIVISION I4TH ARMY CORPS. 

McAfee Church, Georgia, April i, 1864. 

Major : I have the honor to submit the following report of the part performed by 
this division during the operations which resulted in driving the enemy's forces from 
their position on Mission Ridge in front of Chattanooga. * * * * 

On the 19th November, in compliance with verbal instructions from Department 
Headquarters, I commenced to concentrate my command on the Tennessee River at 
Caldwell's Crossing, four miles above Chattanooga and opposite the points on Mission 
Ridge, against which it was intended the forces under Major-General Sherman should 
operate. My troops arrived in good season, but owing to the non-arrival of a part of 
General Sherman's command, delayed bv the heavy rains and bad roads, the crossing 
was deferred until the morning of the 24th. This unavoidable delay, however vexatious, 
was not time entirely lost, not an hour was unemployed in making arrangements and 
perfecting our plans for crossing. This was done in boats launched in the mouth of the 
North Chickamauga Creek, at the camp of Colonel McCook's brigade. 

The batteries of my command were placed in position to assist, in conjunction with 
others, in covering the landing of the troops on the opposite shore. The first crossing 
was accomplished by a part of Major-General Sherman's command just before daylight 
on the morning of the 24th. 

The work of constructing the bridge was at once commenced, and so rapidly was it 
prosecuted that by noon my division, following the rear of General Sherman's com- 
mand, had crossed and taken position as directed by General Sherman, in advance of 
Crutchfield's house, in close supporting distance of the troops moving forward and 
taking possession of Mission Ridge. 

None of my troops participated in the engagement on Mission Ridge, except Bat- 
tery I, 2nd 111. Light Artillery. This battery, under command of Lieutenant Plant, was 
ordered to the front and took position near the base of the ridge and opened fire upon 
the enemy's batteries upon the hill with great spirit. A sharp fireWas returned by the 
enemy's artillery, but owing to the height of ths hill upon which his batteries were 
placed, his fire was very ineffectual, passing too high to do any damage. Supported by 
General Ewing's division, this battery maintained its position until night. 

About midnight the 25th, I received orders to cross the South Chickamauga Creek, 
and move up the north bank in the direction of Chickamauga Station. The movement 
was commenced at once. Crossing the stream on a small pontoon bridge already built 
near its mouth, I proceeded up the north bank until the crossing of the road leading 
from Chattanooga to Harrison was reached. The fog had by this time become so thick 
it was impossible to proceed further without great risk. The troops were ordered to 
make coffee and get their breakfast. 

Shortly after daylight Major-General Howard arrived and reported his (nth) Corps 
moving on the same road close in rear of my command. About 8 o'clock a. m. the fog 
began to rise and I put the troops in motion. The enemy's cavalry was soon discovered, 
but made little resistance until the head of J. D. Morgan's brigade reached the railroad 
at its crossing with Chickamauga Creek. 

The 2ist Kentucky Regiment, deployed as skirmishers, found the enemy disposed 
to fight at this point, but after a short skirmish of a few rounds, were driven back and 
retreated in the direction of the station. 

Prisoners here tsken informed me of the general retreat of Bragg's army from 
Mission Ridge. 

Chickamauga Station was now in full view, presenting a couple of formidable-look- 
ing field works, with a large plain intervening, over which we were compelled to move 
in a direct attack. 

A few shells thrown from a section of Battery I, 2nd II!. Light Artillery, failed to 



68 BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 

hiinjif a reply, ami I ordered Morj^an to advance liis skirmishers. Tlie 2ist Kentucky 
Regiment moved forward in a l)eaiitiful skirmisli line and when reacliing the suburljs of 
the town encountered tlie enemy in a very sharp skirmish. 

In this sharp encounter several of the enemy were wounded and captured, belong- 
ing to Kentucky regiments of the Confederate army. This fact was soon known to the 
gallant 21st Kentucky. KeTituck_\-loyal was now meeting Kentucy-rebel face to face. 
'File enthusiasm it created ran through the lines like an electric siiock. The order to 
advance and attack the field-works to their front was received with a cheer, and executed 
with a dash that soon drove the enemy's skirmishers from their main line, now formed 
about a quarter of a Tiiile beyond the town to resist our rapid and vigorous advance. 

A battery posted in the road opened fire, but was soon driven from its position by 
Battery I, 2nd Ills. Artillery. 

The 2ist Kentucky, deployed entirely as a skirmish line, was now hotly engaged, 
and I ordered (jeneral Morgan to semi anotlier regiment to its support. 

The loth Illinois, commanded by Colonel J. Tillson, was designated for the duty, 
and moved forward in excellent order. Tillson engaged the enemy in front, thus 
enabling Pierce to direct his skirmish attacks as, previously instructed, upon the field- 
works on our rtanks and into which the enemy's skirmishers had taken refuge. 

General Sherman arriving at the head of the column about this time {2 o'clock p.m.) 
directed me to let the troops rest for a short time and then push forward in hot pursuit. 

The advance was soon resumed, with the 2nd Brigade, commanded by Brig. -Gen. 
Beatty, on the right. 

The enemv's cavalry formed their rear-guard and made several demonstrations as 
though they would resist our advance, but were easily driven by our skirmishers when 
attacked, until the farm known as Mrs. Shepard's, about three miles beyond the station, 
was reached. Here, when the head of the column had just penetrated a densely wooded 
swamp, the enemy was found by Beatty's skirmishers in considerable force. A battery 
opened fire upon the head of the column while the men were much scattered in getting 
through the woods. Beatty, who was himself in the advance, threw forward his skir- 
mish line and attacked very sharply. The brigade pushed rapidly across the swamp, 
and deploving into line moved at once on the enemy's position in the open field. The 
enemv vielded this position after some sharp skirmishing, and fell back across the open 
fields where his battery was posted. Battery I, 2nd Ills. Artillery, conforming to the 
movements of the brigade, moved forward and took position on a commanding hill in 
the open field, and opened fire on the enemy's battery. 

The enemy's forces proved, from information derived from prisoners taken after the 
engagement, to be two brigades and a field battery, commanded by Brig. -Gen. Maney, 
who was himself severely wounded in the engagement. 

In this engagement the brigade of General Beatty did most of the fighting, and 
behaved with excellent coin"age. 

Owing to the darkness of the evening, which set in before the troops got fairly to 
work, the loss was verv small on both sides. The troops lay on their arms during the 
night, and at dayliglit in the morning resumed the pursuit, Colonel McCook's brigade in 
advance ^^^^^^^^^^^^-f^^ 

? have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JEFF. C. DAVIS, Brig.-Gen. Commanding Division. 
Major R. M. Sawyer, Asst. Adjt.-Gcn. 



OFFICIAL REPORT OF BRIG.-GEN. THOMAS J. WOOD. 

Headquarters Third Division, Fourth Corps. 

In the Field, December 29th, 1863. 
Major-Gexerai. Gr.\nger, Commanding Fourth Army Corps: The General 
Commanding Department, directs that you throw one division of the 4th corps forward 
in the direction of Orchard Knob (and hold a second division in supporting distance), to 
disclose the position of the enemy, if he still remain in the vicinity of his old camp. 
Howard's and Baird's command will be readv to co-operate if needed. 

J. J. REYNOLDS, Muj.-Gcn., Chief of Staff. 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 69 

Headquarters Fourth Army Corps, November 23d, 1863. 
Brigadier-General Wood with his division will as soon as possible carry out the fore- 
going instructions and will be supported by General Sheridan's division, to be posted 
along near the line of railway, its right resting about midway between Moore's Road and 
the Brush Knob in front of Lunette Palmer. 

Respectively, your obedient servant, 

G GRANGER, Maj--Gen. Commanding. 
Brig. -Gen. T. J. Wood, Commanding Third Division, Fourth Army Corps. 

Immediately on receipt of this orJjr L summoned my brigade commanders to head- 
quarters, to give them full and minute explanations in regard to the manner in which I 
intended to execute the instructions I had received. I desired also to explain in person, 
the part the command ofeach was to perform in the operations. The disposition of the 
division as was then explained to the brigade commanders, and as was subsequently 
most successfully carried out, was as follows: Hazen's brigade on the right, Willich's on 
the left, were to be formed in two lines; the first line deployed, the second in double 
column closed in mass. Beatty's brigade formed in double column closed in mass so as 
to be ready to deploy to the front, or deploy faced to the left, was held in reserve in rear 
of Willich's left. This arrangement would fully protect Willich's left from any flank 
movement of the enemy during the advance. As General Sheridan had been ordered to 
occupy a position which would place his division in rear of my right flank during the ad- 
vance, I had no occasion to look to the safety of my right. In addition to the double line 
formation ju.st described, the entire grand guard on duty for the day, was to be deployed 
on the advance sentinel line of pickets, so that the whole would be covered with a cloud 
of skirmishers. 

I ordered the formation to take place on the broad slope on the southern side of 
Fort Wood. This work covers a conical eminence of about 200 feet elevation above the 
level of the river, situated about a half mile out of Chattanooga in a southeasterly direc- 
tion. From its parapet the rebel works and troops were clearly discernable. The de- 
scent of the hill on the northern, eastern, and western sides is abrupt, but gradual on the 
southern, extending down into the valley through which runs the Western and Atlantic 
Railway. 

At one and half o'clock p. m., the arrangements were all completed, the troops were 
in position and the reserve, ammunition and ambulance trains in rear of Fort Wood. 
Then at the bugle signal, the magnificent airay in exact lines and serried columns moved 
forward. 

From Fort Wood to the railroad the country is open. South of the railroad the 
country passed over is partly open and partly wooded. Hazen's brigade had to pass over 
the open field, several hundred yards in breadth, and Willich's through the woods. On 
the southern side of the field the enemy's first line of pickets was posted. The skirmish- 
ers were instructed to pass forward so soon as the advance was sounded, as rapidly as 
possible, and drive in the enemy's outline of pickets on their reserves. This service was 
excellently performed. To the proper understanding of the subsequent movements of 
the division some explanatory remarks are necessary. Orchard Knob, given in the order 
directing the reconnoissance as the guiding point, is a steep, craggy knoll, rising some 
hundred feet above the general level of the valley of Chattanooga. It is 2,100 yards 
from Fort Wood. The rebels had held the knob as an outpost since the investment was 
first established. A position naturally so strong, thej' had done little to strengthen by 
intrenchments on its summit. To the right of Orchard Knob, looking to the south, a 
rocky, abrupt wooded ridge extends several hundred yards towards the southwest. It is 
not so elevated as the knob. The enemy had formed rude but strong barricades on the 
northern slope just below the crest of this ridge. To the left of the knob still looking to 
the south, a line of rifle-pits extended way off to the northeast, and turning rcnmd reached 
almost to Citico Creek. Orchard Knob was the citadel of this line of intrenchments. 
(reneral Willich was ordered to direct his brigade on the knob, and General Hazen his 
brigade on the intrenchments on the right of it. So soon as the skirmishers moved for- 
ward the enemy opened fire across the open field and through the woods. The skir- 
mishers kept up a sharp rattling fire steadily and rapidly driving the enemy. As the 
knob and intrenchments were neared, the fire became hotter, the resistance of the rebels 
more determined, but the majestic advance of our lines was not for a moment stayed. 
Finally, Willich's brigade which had met with less opposition than Hazen's, having ar- 
rived quite near the knob, "by a bold burst" ascended its steep aclivity, crowned its sum- 
mit and it was ours. 

In the meantime Hazen's brigade was encountering a determined resistance from 
the enemy, sheltered by his breastworks on the rocky ridge to the right. For a few 
moments, the fire w^as sharp and destructive. More than a hundred casualties in the 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA. 



leadin-g regijiicnt attest tlic severity of the fire. But nothing could restrain the inipetu- 
osits' of tiie troops. In a few moments after Willicii's brigade iiad carried Orciiard Knoii, 
I lazen's skirmishers poured o\er the enemy's barricades. Tlie iStii .(Vlabama was cap- 
tured, with its tlag, almost entire. 

Beattv's Iirigade, though not playing so distinguished a part as either of the other 
two brigades, was doing good ser\ ice in the jiost assigneti him. Following the left of 
W'illich's brigade, as soon as the knob was carried, some of Beatty's regiments ^verc 
brought forward to occupy a portion of the rifle pits to the left of Willich's position. 
The remainder of the brigade was held in reserve. Shortly after the successful dash, 
General Granger, commanding the 4th Army Corps, joined me at Orchard Knob. Per- 
sonal observation assured him of the extensivenessand completeness of our success. The 
result being reported to General Thomas, commanding the department, he ordered tliat 
tlie position should be held and intrenched. Soon the men were engaged in this work. 
While so employed, the enemy opened a most terrific fire of shot and shell on us from 
several batteries established on Missionary Ridge. It was continued nearly an hour, in 
fact, until toward nightfall. 

While my division was engaged in intrenching its position, the nth Army Corps 
was ordered to take position on my left. The resistance it met in its front from the 
enemy in his rifie pits rendered its progress slow. Two regiments of Beatty's brigade 
were deploved to the left to take the rifie pits in flank, drive out the enemy's skirmishers 
therefrom and relieve the pressure on the front of the nth Corps. This service was 
quickly and handsomely done; but the nth Corps, neglecting to occupy the rifie 
pits, the enemy returned to them. It was, hence, necessary for the two regiments 
of Beatty's brigade to render the service over again, Tuesday morning, the 24th. 

The whole ot the night of the 23d was spent in intrenching our position. Not only 
was a line of rifie pits and barricades constructed along the entire front of the division 
during the night, but a stout epaulement for a six gun field battery was thrown up on the 
summit of Orchard Knob. L. Bridge's battery of four 3 "4 -inch Rodman guns and two 
Napoleons, w-as placed in position during the night of the 23d. During the 24th the div- 
ision was quiet. 

Shortly after nightfall, Tuesday the 24th, I received the following order: 

Headquarters 4x11 Army Corps, 
Chattanooga, Nov. 24, 1863, 6:40 p. m. 

General: The following instructions have just been received: 
Headquarters Department of the Cumberland. 

General Granger: The general commanding department, directs that you have 
everything ready for an offensive movement earlv to-morrow morning. 

J. J. REYNOLDS, MaJ.-Goi., Chief of Staff. 

You will make every preparation for such movement. 
By command of MAJ.-GEN. GRANGER. 

T. S. FULLERTON, Lt.-Col. and A. A. G. 

To Brig.-Gen. Wood, 3d Division, 4th Corps. 

In conformity with these instructions I had, during Thursday night, 100 rounds of 
ammunition per' man distributed to the troops, and the rations in the haversacks re- 
plenished. At dawn, Wednesday morning, my division was ready for action and only 
awaited the order from the senior officers to commence the onslaught. 

Early in the forenoon of Wednesday, Orchard Knob became the station of officers 
of high rank and signal renown. The commanding general of the Grand Division of 
Mississippi was there ; and there also was the commander of the Department and Army 
of the Cumberland. The day wore on ; during the forenoon I was ordered to advance 
my line of skirmishers to the southern edge of the wood, intervening between my posi- 
tion and the enemy's line at the base of Missionary Ridge. This service was gallantly 
performed, the enemy's skirmishers being rapidly driven back and compelled to take 
shelter behind their rifle pits. 

As the day progressed, the interest which attracted every eye and absorbed every 
feeling, was that involved in the attempt of General Sherman's command to effect a 
lodgment on Missionary Ridge near the tunnel. Severer ojiposition than had been ex- 
pected was evidently being met with. To lessen the opposition , General Sherman was 
encountering, it was determined that a movement should be made against the rebel cen- 
ter. I was ordered to ad\ance and carry the enemy's intrenchments at the base of Miss- 
ionary Ridge and hold them. The signal for the advance was to be six guns fired in 
rapid succession from the battery on Orchard Knob. The necessary instructions were 
given to the biigade commanders. This was near three o'clock p. m. 



BATTLES OF CHATTANOOGA, 71 

Missionary Ridge is an elevated range with an average altitude of several hundred 
feet above the' level of the country, running from northeast to southwest. The part of 
it assaulted by my division the afternoon of the 25th, is about four miles from Chatta- 
nooga, and about a mile from Orchard Knob. Between the latter and the base of 
Missionary Ridge there is a broad wooded valley. Of course this had to be traversed 
before the" intrenchments at the base of the ridge could be assaulted. So soon as my 
troops began to move forward the enemy opened a terrific fire from his batteries on the 
crest of the ridge. The batteries were so posted as to give a direct and cross fire on the 
assailing troops. 

The ascent of Missionary Ridge was indeed an effort to trj the strongest limbs and 
the stoutest hearts. But suspense and anxiety were not of long duration. Upward 
steadily went the standard of the Union (borne onward by strong arms, upheld by brave 
hearts), and soon it was seen flying on the crest of Missionary Ridge. Loud indeed were 
the shouts with which this spectacle was received. Some of the first troops on the crest 
of the ridge pressed forward in pursuit of the flying enemy, immediately in front of them, 
while others (with great good sense on the part of their brigade commanders), were de- 
ployed to the right and left to clear the ridge, and relieve the pressure on our troops 
that had not gained the summit. The good effect of the flank attacks was almost instan- 
taneously apparent, and soon the entire crest was occupied by our troops. Missionary 
Ridge was ours. The enemy whom we had seen during the two long months of the 
investment, occupying this dominating position, was in full retreat. As the day was nearly 
spent, and the troops much worn and somewhat disordered by the ascent, the pursuit 
could not of course be long continued. 

Darkness was coming on apace, and the brigades were reformed on the crest of the 
ridge, where they bivouacked for the night. The assault of Missionary Ridge is certainly 
one of the most remarkable achievements that have ever occurred. Military history 
would probably be ransacked in vain for a parallel. With so much o'f physical obstacle 
to overcome, with so much armed resistance encountered, pi-obably no assault was ever 
so eminently successful. 

In fifty'minutes from the time the advance commenced, the first flags were seen fly- 
ing on the crest of the ridge, but the great achievement was not won without serious loss. 
Many gallant and accomplished officers and brave men were killed and wounded in the 
assault. To these especially is the lasting homage and gratitude of the country due. 

General Willich reports the capture of 1,200 stands of small arms. General Hazen 
650, and General Beatty 200, making an aggregate of 2,050 stands of small arms. 

Grand summary of capftu'es by the division: Field guns 29, field caissons 25, regi- 
mental colors, 7. Stand of small arms 2,050, prisoners over 1,000, for whom receipts 
were obtained by the provost-marshal of the division, from the provost-marshal-general. 
I have not the report of my provost-marshal before me, and hence cannot give the exact 
number. 

Among the prisoners were officers of various grades. The casualties in the division 
amounted to sixteen officers killed, and fifty-nine wounded ; non\:ommissioned officers 
and privates killed, 144, wounded 814, making the total casualties of the division, 1,033. 
Among these, the country has to mourn the loss of many gallant and accomplished 
officers, and brave and devoted men. 

Immediately after the teimination of the operations around Chattanooga, my div- 
ision, with another of the corps, was ordered to march to the relief of the garrison of 
Knoxville, beleagured by the rebels under General Longstreet. Thinly clad, some of 
the men being absolutely barefooted, and all deficient in clothing, and after having been 
more than two months on short rations, the march was cheerfully and rapidly made at a 
most inclement season of the year. The line of march having been changed' after leav- 
ing Chattanooga, it was impossible to draw subsistence from the Commissariat Depart- 
ment, and during the remainder of the march it was necessary for the troops to subsist 
on the country. ********* 

I am, very respectfulK-, your obedient servant, 

THOMAS J. WOOD, Brig.-Gen. Vols., Cottmandtng. 
To J. S. FuLLERTON, Ass't-Adft-Geii., 4th Army Corps. 



ROSTER ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND. 

November 1863. 

Major -General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding. 

4th Corps. — Major-General Gordon Granger. 

14th Corps. — Major-General John M. Palmer. 

Cavalry Corps. — Brigadier-General W. I^. Elliott. 1 

Artillery Brigade. — Brigadier-Cieneral John M. Brannan. | 

Major-General JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding. '• 

nth Corps. — Major-General O. O. Howard. 
1 2th Corps.— Major General H. W. Slocumb. 

FOURTH CORPS. ' 

FIRST DIVISION. j 

Brigadier-General CHARLES CRUFT. 

First Brtffade. — CoL D. A. Enyart, ist, 2d Ky., 31st, 29th, Sist Ind., 90th, loi O., 21st, 3Sth 111., at Bridge- 
port, Ala. Second Brigade.— V,x\'^.-Gftn. Walter C. W'hitaker, 96th, i iSth 111., 3Sth, S4th Ind., 40th, 51st, 99th 
O., Sth, 2ist Kv., with General Hooker. Third Brigade.— Co\. Wm. Grose, 9th, 30th, 36th Ind., 59th, 75th 
S4th 111., 24th O., 77th Pa., with General Hooker. Artillery .—^A.tX.e.xy H, 4th U. S., Battery M, 4th U. S. 
5th Ind. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

Maj.-Gen'I PHIL H. SHERIDAN. 

J^irst Brigade.— Co\. Frank Sherman, 36th, 44th. 74th, 73rd, SSth 111., 24th Wis., 22nd Ind., 2d, iSth Mo. 
.9i'C0«rf5?-?V(7*.— Brig. -Gen'l G. D. Wagner, looth 111,, iSth, 40th, S7th, S^th Ind., 26th, 97th O. Third 
Brigade.— Co\. C. G. Harker, 54th, 6sth, i2Sth O., 22nd, 27th, 42nd, Jist, 79th III., 3d Ky. Artillery. — Bat- 
tery G. and M., istMo., loth Ind. Battery. 

THIRD DIVISION. 

Brig.-Gen'l THOS. J. WOOD. 

i^/r.«r/^;vVrt</c-.— Brig.-Gen'l A. Wilhch, 15th Wis., Sth Kansas, 2Sth, 3Sth, Sgth 111., 32d, 6Sth Ind., 
15th, 49th O. .Second Brig ade.—'^r\Q.-Ge.vC\ VV. B. Hazen, ist, 6th, 41st, 93d, 124th O., Sth, 6th, 23d Ky., 6th 
Ind. Third Brigade.— Bx\^.-G(:a'\ Sam. Beattv, 44th, 79th, S6th Ind., I3th,\i9th, Sgth O., 9th, 17th Ky. 
Artillery. — 26th Penn., 6th O., Bridge's 111. Batteries. 

FOURTEENTH CORPS.- 

FIRST DIVISION. 

Brig.-Gen'l R. W. JOHNSON 

First Brigade.— 'Rx\^.-Gc'n'\ W. T. Carlin, 104th III., loth Wis., iSth Ky., 3Sth, 42d, SSth Ind., 2d, 33d, 
94th O. Second Brigade.— Co\. W. L. Stoughton, ist and 2d batt'l. isth U. S., ist batt'l i6th U. S., ist and 
2d batt'l iSth U. S., ist batt'l, 19th, 69th O., 19th 111., nth Mich, Third Brigade.— Brig. -Genn J. C/ Stark- 
weather, ist, 2ist Wis.,7Sth, 79th Pa., 24th 111., 21st, 74th O., 37th Ind., in works at Chattanooga. Artillery. — 
Battery H., Sth U. S., C. ist 111., A. ist Mich. 

SECOND DIVISION. 
Brig.-Gen'l JEFF. C. DAVIS. 

First Brigade. — Brig.-Gen'l D. Morgan, loth, 6oth, i6th, loisttll., loth Mich. Second Brigade. — Brig.- 
Gen'l J. Beatty, 3d, gSth, loSth, 1 13th, 121st O., 34th, 7Sth 111. Third Brigade.— Co\. O. F. Harmer, Ssth, S6th, 
iioth, i2SthIll., S2d O., with Geneial Sherman. Aftil/erv. — Battery I., 2d 111", 2d Minn. Battery, 5th Wis- , 
Battery. I 

THIRD DIVISION. 

. Brig.-Gen'l ABSOLOM BAIRD. I 

First Bj-i^ade.—Br'i^.-Gttn'X John B. Turchin, nth, 36th, 31st, Sqth, 02d 111., 17th 0.,S2dInd. Second ' 
Brigade.— Co]. Fred. Vandervcer, 7Sth, S7ih, loist Ind,, 3Sth, Sgth, losth O., 2d Min. Third Brigade.— Col. 1 
E. H. Phelps, 4th, loth, iSth Ky., 14th 3Sth O., loth, 74th Ind. ./I r////.?;;^.— Battery I., 4th U. S., 7th Ind. 
Battery, 19th Ind. Battery. 1 

Reserve ^/-////^t.— Batteries A, B, C, F, E, G, M, ist O., Battery D, ist Mich., Battery A, ist Tenn., 
iSth and 20th O. Batteries, 3d, Sth and lothWis. Batteries,4th, Sth, nth Ind. Batteries, Battery C, ist Wis. 



BATTLES OF CI lA ITANOOGA. 



CAVALRY CORPS. 
FIRST nivasiox. 

Col. i:i). M. M( COOK. 

Fir/:/ Bri<riidi\—Co\. A. V. C:iin|)lK'll, ^d Mi.li., 'yth I'l-hii., ist K. Tcnn. S,-rnnd nriirnd,'. — Col. O. A. 
LaGnins^f, ist Wis., 2(1, ttli Ind., 2il K. Tcnn. Third liri^'ndf. — Col. L. I). Wiitkins, (lli, 5th. i>th. 7th Ky., 
iSlh Ind. R;itUrv. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

BriiT.Gen'I GEO. C. CROOK. 

First nrio-nde.—Co\. W. W. Lowe, fth Mich., 7th Pcnn., 4th IT. S., 3d Ind., Jth Iowa. Srcmid Brtsr- 
iidc.—Co\. Ely I.onir, ist, 3d, .jth, 10th O., 2d kv. Tliird Uri!{ade.—Co\. A. O. Miller, 17th, 72d Ind., 92d, 
ijSth, 123d lll.'inounted infantry, Chicaufo Board of Trade Battery. 

ELEVENTH CORPS. 

FIRST DIVISION. 

Bri^.-Gen'l A. VON STEINWHER. 

F/V.-/ j?;7>(7ii',-.- Col. Bushlieck, 27th, 73d Pa., 134th, iS4th N. Y. 33d N.J. Second Brigade.— Cu\. O. 
Smith, 7^1, SStli <)., ii<^ Mass., 136th N. Y. 

' ■ THIRD DIVISION. 

Major-Gen'l C. SCHURZ. 

First Brijrade.—Br\s.-Giin'\. H. Tvndall, 4Sth, iS3d N.Y., Sid, 6ist O., loist 111. Second Brigade.— Co\. 
\V Kr/wanouskv, 26th Wis., ^Sth, i loth 141st N. Y. Third Brigade.— Co\. F. Hacker, Soth, Sid 111., 75th 
I'a., 6Sth N. Y. ".•!;■////*•/•)'.— Battery I, ist N. Y., G. 3th U. S., I and K, ist O. 13th N. Y. Battery, with 
General Sherman. 

TWELFTH CORPS. 

FIRST DIVISION. 

* Brig.-Gen'l A. S. WILLIAMS. 

First Brigade.— V,r\^.-Qiitv<'\]. F. Knipe, 5th, 21st Conn., 123d, i4Sth N. Y., 3d Md., 46th Pa. Second 
Brigade.— Broken up.— T//ird /5;-;Vff</<-.— Brisj.-Gen'I T. H. Ruger, 27th Ind., 3d Wis., 2d Mass., 13th N.J. 
107th, 150 N. Y. ^/-if/y/c/-)'-— Battery F, 4th U. S., M, ist N. Y., B, 2d Ky., 9th O. Battery. Alonf,' com- 
mvmications. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

Brig. -Gen'l JOHN W. GEARY. 

First Brio-t,de.-—Co\. H. Patrick (?), 5th, 7th, 29th, 66th O., 2Sth, 147th Pa. Secnnd Brigade.— Co}. G. 
A. Cohham, 291*1, 109th, iiith Pa. Third Brigade.— Co\. Ireland, 60th, 7Sth, io2d, 137th, J49th N. Y. 
/I /•^/■//^rt'.— Battery E, Penn., Battery K, Sth U. S. With General Hooker. 

F.ngineer Brigade.~Br\^.-<je.n'\ W. F. Smith' iSth O., 13th, 21st, 22d Mich. 

MAyOR-GENERAL WM. T. SHERMAN, COMMANDING ARMY OF THE 

TENNESSEE. 

FIFTEENTH CORPS. 

Maj. -Gen'l FRANK P. BLAIR. 
ist Division-— Brig.-Gen'l Peter J. Osterhaus, with Gen'l Hooker. 
2d Division. — Briif.-Gen'l Morgan L. Smith. 
3d Division. — Brig.-Gen't John E. Smith, 
4th Division. — Brig.-Gen'l Hugh Ewing. 
For Artillery see report of Brig. -General J. M. Brannan. 



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